A Delhi court has ordered self-proclaimed godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati to five days in police custody following his arrest in Agra on charges of sexual assault. The 62-year-old spiritual leader, who claims to operate an ashram in the city, faces accusations from multiple women alleging sexual exploitation under the pretense of providing spiritual guidance. The case surfaced when a 25-year-old woman reported that Chaitanyananda had enticed her with promises of spiritual advancement but subjected her to ongoing sexual abuse. After her complaint, several other women came forward with similar claims, reinforcing the allegations against him.
The FIR, filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to sexual assault, criminal intimidation, and wrongful confinement, details how the godman allegedly manipulated his followers, many of whom were young students, and coerced them into silence. According to police sources, his influence over his followers created a climate of fear that deterred victims from speaking out sooner. A special police team located him in Agra on Saturday, where he was staying at a private guest house. He was transported to Delhi and presented before the duty magistrate, who ordered his remand to police custody for five days to facilitate further questioning and the recovery of potential evidence, including digital devices and records from his ashram.
Investigators plan to explore whether Chaitanyananda was part of a larger network and if there were financial discrepancies associated with his ashram’s operations. The police are also expected to gather testimonies from additional survivors and interview ashram staff who might have observed the incidents. The case has elicited strong public responses, with activists calling for severe penalties and emphasizing the necessity for enhanced regulation of self-styled spiritual leaders who exploit their authority.