A Delhi court has remanded self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati to five days of police custody in connection with a sexual assault case involving dozens of women students. The 62-year-old, who once headed the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management Research in Delhi&rsquo;s Vasant Kunj, was arrested in Agra after being on the run since August.
During the hearing, Delhi Police argued that Saraswati had allegedly molested several women and demanded sexual favours from them. Prosecutors told the court that at least 16 girls had lodged formal complaints, while the FIR cited statements from 32 others. &ldquo;He had given them threats. Cameras were installed to monitor their movement, some were even placed inside bathrooms. Several other allegations need to be verified,&rdquo; the prosecution submitted.
Saraswati&rsquo;s counsel countered the plea for police custody, insisting, &ldquo;I am not allowed to wear my robes. You want police custody only to harass me. If you feel there is any threat to the women, that can be countered by judicial custody.&rdquo;
The case came to light after a 21-year-old student&rsquo;s statement and an email from an Indian Air Force group captain triggered a nationwide manhunt. The officer had reported that several students had approached him, alleging harassment, threats, and offensive messages from Saraswati. The matter was then flagged to the religious organisation Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham, which oversaw the institute.
The Delhi court granted police custody, noting the need for thorough investigation into the multiple allegations and verification of evidence, including CCTV footage and testimonies.

Self-Styled Godman in 5-Day Police Custody

Delhi court remands Chaitanyananda in sexual assault case after arrest in Agra

Self-Styled Godman in 5-Day Police Custody

Delhi court remands Chaitanyananda in sexual assault case after arrest in Agra

September 28, 2025 | 17:59 IST