Delhi: Accused in Mass Molestation case Claims Life threat in Tihar Jail
New delhi – November 11, 2023 – Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati, accused in a mass molestation case at a Delhi institute, has alleged a threat to his life while in Tihar Jail. during a hearing before Judicial Magistrate Frist Class Animesh Tripathi, Saraswati also claimed he was being denied the right to wear a saffron robe and adhere to a restricted diet previously authorized by the court.
The court documented Saraswati’s submission, stating, “…accused had submitted that there was a threat to his life in jail and he has not been allowed saffron despite the fact that he had filed three applications before the jail superintendent.”
The court has requested a detailed status report from jail authorities,to be submitted by the next hearing on November 18.
Saraswati, 62, withdrew his bail plea last week before the Patiala House Courts, opting to await the filing of a chargesheet by Delhi Police to review the allegations against him. The court had previously indicated it was unlikely to grant bail, citing the serious nature of the offenses and the large number of alleged victims, and expressing concern that Saraswati could potentially influence witnesses due to his position.
During his judicial custody, Saraswati had successfully petitioned the court for permission to wear his saffron robes and consume a diet excluding onion – requests which were granted.
In his earlier bail plea, Saraswati asserted that the complainants were “tutored” and falsely accused him due to his enforcement of “strict discipline” at the institute. He maintained his role was limited to policy-making and overall guidance as chairman-cum-managing director,with no direct interaction with students.
Saraswati faces five criminal cases, including two from 2009 and 2016, and three filed this year, alleging offenses such as mass molestation, cheating, and the use of forged diplomatic number plates on luxury vehicles. he was arrested on September 27 from a hotel in Agra after evading arrest since an FIR was lodged against him on august 5.