Babas of India: The Dark Pattern of Abuse, Power & Untouchable Godmen
The Delhi Baba sexual harassment case has shocked the national capital. Seventeen women have accused Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati of sexual misconduct.
He served as the director of Sri Sharda Institute of Indian Management in Vasant Kunj. The institute provides scholarships to students from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
According to the police, the swami sent lewd texts, used abusive language, and made unwanted physical contact. Moreover, he targeted female students living in the institute’s hostel.
This case is not an isolated incident. Over the years, many such cases have emerged. Across the country, self-styled babas of India have been accused of exploiting faith, abusing power, and sexually harassing their followers.
Babas of India and the Pattern of Sexual Harassment
While many spiritual leaders claim to guide people toward truth and peace, several have faced disturbing charges of abuse. In fact, the babas of India have often been caught in scandals involving rape, fraud, and even murder.
Take Asaram Bapu, for instance. In 2018, he was convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl in his ashram. She had gone there seeking spiritual healing. Similarly, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, was found guilty of raping two of his female disciples. Later, he was also linked to murder and the forced castration of hundreds of men.
In another shocking case, Swami Nithyananda fled the country after facing rape charges. Reports claim he started his own “nation” on a remote island. Despite warrants and global alerts, Indian authorities have failed to bring him back.
These cases are not exceptions. Instead, they reveal a dangerous pattern: spiritual leaders using their influence to control, abuse, and silence.
Why the Babas of India Keep Getting Away With It
Many wonder: how do these babas escape justice for so long?
The answer lies in a dangerous mix of political power, blind faith, and legal delays. These godmen often build close ties with politicians, who seek their support during elections. In return, they receive protection from law enforcement.
Additionally, thousands of followers view these babas as divine. As a result, they often dismiss victims as liars or enemies of faith. Even when abuse is exposed, loyalists defend their gurus blindly, making it hard for survivors to come forward.
Worse, some ashrams act as enablers. Victims in the Delhi Baba sexual harassment case claimed that women staff members introduced them to the accused. Instead of protecting the students, the staff allegedly pressured them to comply.
Demand Accountability, Not Blind Devotion
The babas of India are not above the law. When power and devotion go unchecked, abuse thrives. India must protect its citizens by holding even the most influential spiritual leaders accountable. Silence and blind faith should never shield a predator.
👉 Know your rights: Read India’s laws on sexual harassment and abuse
A seasoned journalist with over 30 years of rich and diverse experience in print and electronic media, her professional stints include working with Sahara English Magazine and JAIN TV and All India Radio. She has also produced several documentary films through her self-owned production house Gajpati Communications. She is also the Station Director of Aligarh based FM Radio Station, and the General Secretary of WADA NGO.
