New Delhi: Tihar Jail authorities have informed a city court that self-styled godman Chaitanyananda Saraswati, currently in judicial custody over allegations of sexual harassment of 16 students at a private institute in southwest Delhi, is in “safe and secure custody.” This update comes after the accused claimed that his life was under threat while in Tihar prison.

Chaitanyananda, a former chairman of the management institute where the alleged abuse occurred, made the claim before Judicial Magistrate Animesh Kumar during a court appearance. However, he did not disclose any names or specifics regarding who might be threatening him.

In response, the prison authorities submitted a detailed status report on Tuesday, noting that jail staff had interacted with Chaitanyananda regarding his apprehensions. The report emphasized that he has been advised to immediately report any perceived harassment or threats to any jail official or directly to the undersigned authorities.

The report, signed by a deputy superintendent of Tihar Jail, stated: “The inmate is presently lodged in safe and secure custody. He has been advised that whenever he feels harassed or threatened by anyone, he may immediately report the matter to any jail Official/Officer or to the undersigned directly.” It further mentioned that the prison staff had been instructed to remain vigilant and address any grievance raised by Chaitanyananda.

According to the authorities, the inmate exhibited apprehension not only within the jail premises but also during transit in a jail van and at the lock-up. To ensure his safety during court appearances, a letter was sent to a DCP-rank officer of the Delhi Police for supervision during his transit between prison and the court.

Chaitanyananda had also complained that he was not allowed to wear his saffron robe while in custody. The prison authorities clarified in the report that there is no objection to this, and he has been permitted to wear the attire. In addition, the jail has allowed him a restricted diet, excluding onion and garlic, and the kitchen staff has been instructed to provide this routinely.

On November 15, Chaitanyananda was produced before a magisterial court at the completion of his 14-day judicial custody period. During this appearance, he raised concerns about his safety. In response, the court sought a detailed report from Tihar Jail authorities to assess the situation.

Earlier, on November 7, Chaitanyananda had withdrawn his bail plea before an Additional Sessions Court. His counsel explained that the withdrawal was necessary as the charges needed to be examined following the filing of the chargesheet in the case.

Chaitanyananda’s judicial custody continues as the investigation into the allegations of sexual harassment progresses. The prison authorities’ assurance of his safety aims to address both the reported threats and his personal concerns regarding attire and dietary restrictions.