‘Swami Ji to Apply Holi Colours First’: Disturbing Allegations in Chaitanyananda Case

Chaitanyananda Saraswati, former chairman of the Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management Research in New Delhi, is facing serious allegations of molestation of female students and financial irregularities involving a trust worth ₹122 crore.

The FIR, filed on August 5, cites accounts from 32 women who reported repeated harassment. Among the allegations, female students were reportedly lined up during a Holi celebration and instructed to allow Saraswati to apply colour to their cheeks and hair parting, while bowing and chanting “Hariom.”

A 21-year-old student alleged receiving personal messages from Saraswati, including “baby, I love you, I adore you,” alongside threats to cut marks and warnings that her brother could be targeted by authorities. Other complaints include harassment during a June 2025 industrial visit to Rishikesh.

Students said Saraswati seized phones and original certificates under the pretext of “focusing on studies,” creating a climate of fear that students’ careers could be ruined if they resisted or complained. Many affected students were pursuing PGDM courses under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) scholarship.

Authorities continue to investigate the allegations, which also include misuse of the institute’s ₹122 crore trust fund.