Spiritual leader and former director of Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management, Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, had absconded after 17 and more girl students pursuing education at the institute and availed Economic Weaker Section (EWS) scholarship accused him of sexual harassment (using abusive language, making physical contact, and sending messages that are derogatory and obscene), this morning has been arrested from a hotel in Agra.

When he is being produced in court?

As soon as he was arrested from the hotel, the Delhi Police took him to the capital this morning and he is scheduled to be produced before the court and it is highly anticipated that cops will ask for his custody for detailed investigation.

What is the case about?

Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, who is known as Parthasarathy, has been accused of sexually assaulting girl students of his institute named Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management which was founded in 1996. In this institute, a course on a Postgraduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) is offered to EWS students.

Why was the bail of Saraswati rejected?

Earlier, the court rejected the anticipatory bail as there is a huge sum of financial irregularity involved. Being the case of misappropriation of funds, the chances of bail were bleak. The submission from the defence is being reviewed by Additional Sessions Judge Dr Hardeep Kaur.

It has been observed by the judge that an interrogation in custody is essential for uncovering the conspiracy. Additional Sessions Judge Dr Hardeep Kaur observed that if bail is granted at this early stage then investigation would suffer and high risk of intimidation.

What is the allegation against Saraswati?

Prosecution claims that Saraswati and his associates created a parallel trust named Shri Sharda Institute of Management Research Foundation Trust, this has fabricated documentation and even AICTE approvals.

1. Rs 40 Crore or more illegally transferred to trust

2. After FIR filed, around Rs 50–Rs 55 lakh withdrawn.

3. Rent and revenue for the institute diverted to trust

4. As per police, Saraswati has altered PAN Card, Passport of two countries and has luxury cars

What are Saraswati’s Defence arguments?

Advocate Ajay Burman who is representing Saraswati, said that the formation of the trust was essential for the smooth functioning of the educational institute. He further shared that not a single property has been sold, rather the trust functions under trustees. The defence has also claimed that rushing into an FIR without proper investigation is unjustified, and this case is civil in nature, not criminal in nature.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share