A director of a private engineering institute in South West Delhi’s Vasant Kunj has been booked after more than a dozen students accused him of sexual harassment. The accused, identified as Chinmayanad Saraswati also known as Parthasarathi or Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati is currently absconding.
According to Delhi Police, statements from 32 female students have been recorded. Of these, 17 reported abusive language, obscene WhatsApp and SMS messages, and instances of unwanted physical contact. Some students further alleged that faculty and administrative staff pressured them to comply with the director’s demands.
In addition, statements from 16 victims have been formally recorded under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) before the Judicial Magistrate at Patiala House Courts.
During the investigation, authorities impounded the director’s luxury Volvo car from the institute’s basement. The vehicle carried a forged diplomatic United Nations number plate (“39 UN 1”), which police later confirmed as fake.
A separate FIR (No. 385/2025, dated August 25, 2025) has been registered under sections 345(3), 318(4), 336(3), and 340(2) of the BNSS at Vasant Kunj North Police Station for the fraudulent registration.
The scandal has prompted swift action from the Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, which has severed all ties with Saraswati. In its statement, the Peetham described his alleged actions as “illegal, inappropriate, and detrimental to the interests of the institution.”
The Peetham clarified that the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, where Saraswati served as director, is governed by a council chaired by Dr. Krishna Venkatesh. The governing body has lodged complaints with relevant authorities and pledged to ensure the safety and welfare of students, while working to prevent disruption of academic programmes.
The accused remains at large, and police have launched a manhunt to trace him. Officials said they are also probing whether institute staff members were complicit in shielding him or coercing students.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the gravity of the harassment allegations and the alleged misuse of fake diplomatic insignia. Authorities have assured that strict action will follow once the accused is apprehended.
