Self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, accused of sexually harassing 17 girl students at a Delhi institute, is now under scrutiny for allegedly operating multiple bank accounts under different names and withdrawing over Rs 50 lakh after an FIR was filed against him, investigators said on Friday.
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Police revealed that Saraswati allegedly submitted varying documents to open and transfer funds between accounts under different identities. Since the registration of the FIR, approximately Rs 50-55 lakh has reportedly been withdrawn.
Meanwhile, a Delhi court on Friday dismissed his anticipatory bail plea in a separate case involving charges of cheating, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.
Additional Sessions Judge Hardeep Kaur noted that the investigation is still in its early stages and custodial interrogation is necessary to uncover the full extent of alleged fraud, cheating, conspiracy, and fund misappropriation. The judge added that Saraswati was reportedly unavailable at his registered address, with his mobile phone switched off.
“Considering the seriousness of the allegations and the gravity of the offence, this Court is not inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the applicant/accused. Therefore, the present bail application stands dismissed,” the judge stated.
The case continues to unfold as authorities work to track Saraswati’s financial activities and establish the complete chain of alleged crimes.
