Aide Calls Menstrual Excuse “Useless” in Shocking Recording
The investigation into self-styled godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati has taken a darker turn after call recordings accessed by investigators revealed how his female aides coerced women students to meet him in hotel rooms. In one particularly disturbing clip, a woman is heard pleading that she cannot attend a meeting because she is menstruating — only to be accused of making “excuses.” The aide, allegedly Sweta Sharma, dismisses her explanation as “useless” and insists she visit the hotel where the godman was staying.
When the woman protests, saying, “I am actually on my periods,” the aide replies coldly that the reason is invalid and warns her that she could face academic penalties if she refuses to go. The victim, in desperation, offers to send proof, saying she could send a photograph of her sanitary pad to prove her honesty. The exchange exposes the coercive pressure the students endured within the institution.
From Classrooms to Five-Star Hotels
The 62-year-old Chaitanyananda, who was heading the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management-Research in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, was arrested last month after multiple students accused him of sexual assault and psychological coercion. His arrest followed weeks of complaints from students who described a disturbing pattern of abuse masked as “spiritual guidance.”
According to investigators, Chaitanyananda and his aides would identify women from economically weaker backgrounds and use threats of academic retaliation to compel them into submission. Victims were allegedly told that their degrees or marks would be withheld if they refused to meet the godman. Several students were instructed to accompany him on outstation trips, where he stayed in luxury hotels. His aides reportedly told the women that “their turn had come” and that he had “booked a fabulous room” for them.
Those who resisted were warned their hotel bookings would be cancelled and they would have to pay for accommodation themselves — an unbearable cost for most of the students.
Arrest of Aides and the Expanding Probe
Delhi Police have arrested three of Chaitanyananda’s close associates, including Sweta Sharma, the former associate dean of the institute. During interrogation, the aides allegedly admitted that they acted on the godman’s orders, arranging “private meetings” and manipulating students emotionally and academically. Sharma is also accused of personally summoning targets and monitoring their compliance.
Police sources said they have recovered digital evidence and transcripts of phone calls, along with documents that detail how the women were intimidated and silenced. Many of the victims were allegedly forced to maintain contact through messaging platforms, where they received instructions about what to wear and where to go.
A Pattern of Deceit and Reinvention
Investigators also uncovered a history of name changes and fabricated qualifications in Chaitanyananda’s background. Originally known as Partha Sarathi Rudra, he later called himself Swami Parthsarathy and eventually Chaitanyananda Saraswati. His earlier photos show him in white robes, later replaced by saffron attire as his cult-like following grew.
He claimed to possess an MBA and PhD from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and seven honorary DLitt degrees from prestigious universities in India and abroad. However, police suspect many of these credentials are fake.
He also presented himself as an “internationally acclaimed writer” with dozens of books and research papers to his name — claims that are now under verification. Investigators believe these fabrications were part of an elaborate image-building exercise to lend him legitimacy and attract followers.
Evidence of Exploitation and Manipulation
Raids on Chaitanyananda’s ashram and residences have led to shocking discoveries — including electronic gadgets, obscene videos, and morphed images showing him alongside prominent global figures. Investigators say these items were used to reinforce his false image of influence and credibility.
Police also found evidence of surveillance systems and hidden cameras allegedly installed in hostel areas under his control. Reports suggest some students were pressured to change their names and identities to appear more “devoted.”
Abuse of Power Under the Garb of Faith
As the case unfolds, it paints a grim picture of how spiritual authority can be weaponized to exploit trust. Many of the victims have described the trauma of being manipulated by someone they considered a mentor.
The Delhi Police’s Crime Branch continues to interrogate the accused and analyze the recordings to build a strong case under sections related to sexual assault, criminal intimidation, and fraud. Authorities have also reached out to educational regulatory bodies to review the institute’s internal mechanisms that allowed such misconduct to persist unchecked.
This unfolding scandal serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by women in educational and spiritual institutions — and the urgent need for oversight, accountability, and institutional support systems that prioritize student safety over misplaced reverence.
