New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Friday informed a court that self-styled godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati allegedly misappropriated funds amounting to Rs 20 crore, claimed to be a member of a national advisory council, and even photoshopped images with prominent politicians.
Following arguments in court, his anticipatory bail plea in a forgery and financial misappropriation case was dismissed.
The case pertains to the alleged siphoning of funds from a South Delhi institute while Chaitanyananda served as its chancellor. Police stated that over 18 bank accounts and 28 fixed deposits held in the name of a trust set up by him—which reportedly held around Rs 8 crore—have been frozen.
Chaitanyananda was also booked last month in a separate case for allegedly sexually harassing 19 women at the Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management (SRIISM) in Vasant Kunj.
The institute is run by the Sri Sri Jagadguru Shankaracharya Mahasamsthanam Dakshinamnaya Sri Sharada Peetham.
Court Proceedings and Police Allegations
During the hearing before Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur at Patiala House Court, the prosecution said, “He has two passports and has been absconding for the last month.
Since 2010, Rs 20 crore has come to his trust, all of which has been misappropriated. Rs 60 lakh has been withdrawn in a single month. He has photoshopped himself with political leaders and maintains multiple fake addresses.
He even claimed to be a member of a national advisory council.”
The complainant in the case is represented by advocates Rushab Aggarwal, Kumar Vaibhaw, and Riddhima Aggarwal.
Senior advocate Ajay Burman, representing Chaitanyananda, argued that the FIR was registered when his client was not in Delhi. He claimed, “A complaint was filed and an FIR was immediately registered without any inquiry. To date, no property has been sold, and no sale deed has been executed.
Though he had the authority, it has never been misused. He has been targeted since day one.”
Burman further stated, “The police are giving multiple conflicting stories to the media. Since July, Chaitanyananda has not been in Delhi, yet FIRs have been registered behind his back.”
Court Decision
ASJ Hardeep Kaur noted that the investigation was at an early stage and custodial interrogation of the accused was necessary to establish the full chain of alleged fraud, cheating, conspiracy, and fund misappropriation.
“As per the investigating officer, the accused is not available at his given address and his mobile phone is switched off,” the court said.
Considering the gravity and seriousness of the allegations, the court refused to grant anticipatory bail, stating: “The present bail application stands dismissed.”
Previous Allegations
Chaitanyananda had earlier filed another anticipatory bail plea in the sexual harassment case, but withdrew it after inadvertently mentioning the names of the alleged victims.
The women, enrolled under the Economically Weaker Section quota at the institute, have alleged that the accused sent them lewd messages, forced them to accompany him on foreign trips, and made unwanted physical contact in his room late at night. At least 19 women came forward with these allegations.
Before the sexual harassment allegations became public, an FIR for alleged embezzlement and misappropriation of funds had been lodged against him on July 23.
Additionally, a separate case has been registered against him for allegedly using a Volvo car with a fake blue United Nations number plate.
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