New Delhi: A self-styled godman associated with a private management institute in southwest Delhi’s Vasant Kunj has been booked for allegedly sexually harassing 17 students. Police have issued a lookout circular against 62-year-old Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati alias Swami Parthasarathy, who remains absconding.

According to police, Saraswati, who claimed to be chairman of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, allegedly targeted students admitted under the EWS quota. He threatened to fail them in exams and lured them with promises of foreign trips. Statements of 17 women students have been recorded before a magistrate.

Three women wardens of the institute have also been named co-accused for allegedly coercing students and pressuring them to delete messages sent by him.

Volvo with fake diplomatic plate seized
During raids, police recovered a Volvo car with a forged diplomatic number plate (39 UN 1) from the institute’s basement. A second case has been registered over the forged plate. Officials said the godman has been frequently changing his location to evade arrest, with his last trace found in Agra.

Peetham distances itself
The Sri Sharada Peetham, Sringeri, with which Saraswati was associated, issued a statement severing ties with him. The mutt said he had engaged in “illegal and inappropriate” activities detrimental to its interests and confirmed it had lodged complaints with the authorities.

The Peetham clarified that the institute is run by a governing council chaired by academician Dr Krishna Venkatesh and assured steps are being taken to safeguard students and ensure uninterrupted academic activities.

Previous cases and investigations
Police said Saraswati has faced similar allegations in the past, including a molestation case in 2016 and a fraud-cum-molestation case in 2009.

Investigators have seized CCTV hard disks, network recorders and digital evidence, including chats and call records, which are being forensically examined. The National Commission for Women has also taken suo motu cognisance of the case.

Police said multiple teams are conducting raids in Delhi, Agra and neighbouring states, with airports under strict vigil to prevent him from leaving the country.

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