Unmasking the Guru: Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, the Self-Styled Godman Accused of Horrific Abuse in Delhi

A chilling wave of disbelief and outrage has swept through Delhi following the arrest of Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, a self-proclaimed spiritual leader now facing grave allegations of molesting no less than 17 young students under his care. The shocking details emerging from the investigation paint a disturbing picture of a man who allegedly exploited the trust of vulnerable families and the innocence of children.

Saraswati, the founder of the 'Vedic Vidyarthi Parishad,' presented himself as a beacon of traditional knowledge, promising free education, food, and shelter to children, primarily from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in states like Jharkhand and Bihar.

His ashram, supposedly a sanctuary for learning Vedas and Sanskrit, has instead become the focal point of a harrowing police probe. The Delhi Police, acting swiftly on a complaint filed by the NGO 'MyNation Foundation,' have arrested Saraswati and registered a case under multiple stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The horrific saga began to unravel when an 11-year-old boy managed to escape Saraswati's alleged clutches and, through his family, reached out to the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW).

DCW Chairperson Swati Maliwal, upon hearing the chilling account, took immediate action, alerting the authorities and ensuring the victim received necessary support. This courageous step by one child cracked open a wider investigation, revealing that the abuse was far more widespread than initially feared.

Police investigations have since revealed a sinister pattern.

Saraswati allegedly targeted children aged between 10 and 16 years, drawing them in with the promise of a brighter future through religious education. His outreach efforts specifically focused on economically weaker sections, where the lure of free resources for their children proved irresistible to desperate parents.

The children, separated from their families and placed completely under Saraswati's control, became easy targets for alleged exploitation.

The initial complaint by 'MyNation Foundation' to the DCW on May 17 detailed the harrowing experience of the 11-year-old victim, leading to the registration of an FIR at the Delhi Cantonment Police Station.

As the investigation deepened, more victims came forward, courageously recounting their own experiences of abuse at the hands of the self-styled godman. The sheer number of alleged victims—17—underscores the systemic nature of the alleged crimes.

Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati's arrest marks a critical moment in a case that highlights the urgent need for vigilance and protection for children in all settings, particularly those who are separated from their families and placed in the care of others.

As legal proceedings commence, the focus remains firmly on securing justice for the young victims and holding the accused accountable for the alleged egregious breaches of trust and morality.