Haul of valuables hints at Sarathi’s links in Odisha capital

Reported by Santosh Jagdev
Bhubaneswar,  Aug 26:

In a development that points to the links of controversial Odisha godman Sarathi Baba with the city, Kharvela Nagar police today seized gold ornaments and silver coins with the face of Baba carved on them worth lakhs of rupees after a raid on a house located in Malisahi area here.

The seized valuables comprise one gold chain weighing 139 grams, 13 silver coins,  four silver lockets with Sarathi Baba’s face and name inscribed on them, 30 old British coins, 24 Canadian currency notes and two gold rings weighing 4 grams.

Twin city commissioner of police Dr RP Sharma said Kharvela Nagar police today seized the valuables of Sarathi Baba from a house located in Malisahi area.

A woman engaged in sweeping work in the area informed the police about the valuables. Acting on the information, local police conducted a raid on the house and seized the valuables,  Dr Sharma said.

“We have also got information that two sons of the house owner had brought the valuables and kept it in the house. We are searching for the lady informer, the house owner and his son to get the details on the issue,” the police commissioner said.

“After gathering all information on the issue, we will hand over all articles recovered to the Odisha Crime Branch, which is investigating the Sarathi baba case,”  he said.