Odisha Crime Branch arrests Sarathi Baba’s Chela No 1

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Cuttack, Aug 28:

Close aide of disgraced self-styled godman Srimad Sarathi Dev, Sarat Patra, was arrested by Odisha Crime Branch police today.

Patra was summoned by the Crime Branch sleuths for interrogation today. Following hours of grilling, the confidante of controversial spiritual guru Sarathi Baba was arrested here today. Patra would be forwarded to court tomorrow.

Based on the statement of a woman victim, Patra was arrested under Sec 420, 506 and 120(b). He used to allegedly force women to have physical relationship with Santosh Roul alias Sarathi Baba.

Crime Branch would plead before the court tomorrow to take Patra on remand for further interrogation, sources said.

Notably, Patra, a school teacher, was placed under suspension by the School and Mass Education department on August 13 on charges of neglecting his duty.

Patra was working as a Mathematics teacher at Mahanga Birbhadreswar High School.

Among the closest associates and followers of Sarathi Baba, Patra was the person who held a press meet here in defence of the Baba after news broke about his escapades in Hyderabad.

Patra had said the Baba’s followers would take appropriate action against the media houses for airing ‘false reports’ on the Baba.