Sarathi Baba appeals for media ban; knocks Odisha High Court

Odisha Sun Times Bureau

Cuttack, Nov 5:

Controversial godman Sarathi Baba alias Santosh Raul has appealed to the Odisha High Court to ban all media coverage until the settlement of cases against him.

He has filed a writ petition in the Cuttack High Court, yesterday, to restrict all news coverage about him in traditional media as well as social media.

Sarathi Baba has mentioned that various news as well as social media are publishing various misleading and disgusting stories about him. This is tarnishing his image and should be stopped immediately.

As the matter is sub-judice , news about him should be barred from media till the cases against him are settled, the plea added.

He has made State Home Secretary, DGP, Crime Branch IG, Press Council of India and Press Information Bureau, respondents in his petition.

The self proclaimed godman’s hearing of bail application on the girl student case, registered under SC and ST prevention of atrocities act, was over yesterday and the decision is kept reserved.

The girl has given contrary statements many times, therefore, there is no credibility in the allegations and he should be granted bail, Sarathi Baba bail application had claimed.

The crime branch has submitted the case dairy and previously recorded statements in the court and protested the bail.

Sarathi Baba, who was arrested by the Crime Branch from his ashram at Barimula in Kendrapara district on August 8, is currently lodged at the Choudwar circle jail.

Sarathi Baba’s bail had been rejected by SDJM October 13.