In a significant development, controversial self-styled Godman Sarathi Baba was arrested by the Odisha Police's Crime Branch on charges of sexual misconduct, cheating, and forgery. The arrest followed intense questioning at his ashram in Barimula, Kendrapara district, and later at the Crime Branch headquarters in Cuttack.
Sarathi Baba, who has been embroiled in controversy for some time, was accused after a television channel aired footage alleging he had spent two days with a woman, who claimed to be his wife, in a Hyderabad hotel. Sarathi Baba denied the allegations and threatened legal action against the channel.
The Crime Branch booked him under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including charges of cheating (Section 420), criminal conspiracy (Section 120(B)), and wrongful restraint (Section 341). He also faces charges under the Arms Act and SC/ST Act.
During the search of Sarathi's ashram, the police recovered documents, cash, silver, gold, and metal coins bearing his image. Investigations also uncovered bank accounts, photographs, and CCTV footage, all of which are under examination.
Protests erupted in Kendrapara town as residents clashed with the police, leading to the imposition of Section 144, which prohibits assembly. In response to the unrest, the district's SP Satish Gajbhiye was transferred and replaced by Nitinjit Singh. Sarathi Baba has been remanded to three days of police custody for further investigation.