Kendrapara normal after godman Sarathi’s arrest

He had a network of agents who wooed people with stories of alleged miracles by him and his magical powers

Kendrapara: The situation at Kendrapara returned to normalcy on Saturday, a day after the people and police were locked in a pitched battle on the issue of arrest of the self styled godman Srimad Sarathi Dev. "The situation in Kendrapara is normal. The local people are cooperating with the police," said Nitinjit Singh, the new SP who replaced Satish Kumar Gajviey.

With the improvement in situation, prohibitory orders under section 144 Cr PC was lifted on Saturday from the township and adjoining areas, a district administration official said. Deathly silence pervailed at the godman's residence 'Sarathi Ashram' at Barimula village as devotees and followers, deserted it. The 'godman' was arrested by Odisha police on cheating and other charges following violent protests demanding action against him for his alleged escapades.

Gun-totting policemen were seen guarding the locked ashram instead."Sarathi has paid the price for his evil deeds. He betrayed people," said Parikhit Patra, an elder of neighbouring Nikirai village.Sarathi, who is now behind the bars, has during interrogations flatly denied any sexual escapades as was alleged in a section of the media, crime branch investigators said.

Police said six bank accounts of the self styled godman which have deposits of over Rs 12 lakh have been traced. "We are on the lookout of a chartered accountant who was privy to all financial transactions and dealings of the godman. The CA, who is from Kendrapara township, had fled from the ashram before our investigation began on Friday noon," police said.

Sarathi had a network of agents who wooed people with stories of alleged miracles by him and his magical powers. Besides, over 50 people were engaged in work at the ashram and were paid monthly salary, the investigators said. Odisha had witnessed agitations by people since Wednesday demanding arrest of Sarathi.