Delhi 'godman' case: Chaitanyananda remanded to 14-day judicial custody; accused of molesting students

NEW DELHI: Self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, also known as Parth Sarthy, was remanded to 14 days’ judicial custody by a Delhi court on Friday after the completion of his five-day police custody, reported news agency ANI.

The 62-year-old, Chaitanyananda, was produced before a judicial magistrate Animesh Kumar at Patiala House Court.

Arrested by Delhi police from Agra on September 28, Saraswati faces allegations of molesting 17 female students pursuing PGDM courses under the EWS scholarship at a private institute in Delhi.

Meanwhile, the court has sought a response from Delhi police on three applications filed on behalf of Chaitanyananda. The accused has sought access to the seizure memo, permission to sign the case diary, and provision of specific items including Sanyasi food, traditional attire, prescribed medicines and religious books.

Earlier this week, Delhi police informed the court that during a recent search at the premises of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management Research (SRISIM) in Delhi - which was occupied by the accused - they recovered objectionable materials and allegedly forged photographs, reported the agency.

According to the FIR, Saraswati allegedly forced students to visit his quarters late at night, sent inappropriate messages at odd hours, and monitored their movements via his phone. Investigations also revealed that he operated multiple bank accounts under false names, withdrawing over Rs 50 lakh after the FIR was filed. Earlier, the police froze around Rs 8 crore linked to him in various bank accounts and fixed deposits.

Fake visiting cards claiming association with the united nations and Brics were also found during the probe.