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{{Short description|Indian fraud religious leader}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Sarathi Baba
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name = Santosh Raul
| birth_date = {{Birth based on age as of date|46|2015|8|10}}<ref name=VariousAvatars>{{cite news|title=From Radhe Maa to Sarathi Baba: Various avatars of bandal gurus|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/maa-baba-and-mess-galore-various-avatars-of-self-styled-spiritual-gurus/article1-1377393.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807065948/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/maa-baba-and-mess-galore-various-avatars-of-self-styled-spiritual-gurus/article1-1377393.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 August 2015|accessdate=6 September 2015|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=8 August 2015}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Ganjam district]], [[Odisha]], [[India]]
| death_date = 
| death_place =
| other_names = Sarathi baba, Srimad Sarathi
| occupation = [[Guru|Spiritual guru]]
| known_for =
| spouse =
| children = Satyam Sekhar Raul ([[adoption|adopted]])<ref name=DNA-SonArrest/>
}}

'''Sarathi Baba''' (born '''Santosh Raul''', {{Birth based on age as of date|46|2015|8|10|noage=y}}),<ref name=VariousAvatars/> also known as '''Srimad Sarathi Dev''', is a self-proclaimed [[godman (India)|godman]] from [[Odisha]], [[India]], currently under investigation for [[fraud]] and In [[Remand (detention)|custody]]. On 4 August 2015, a TV channel, [[Prameya News7]], ran a report of him being a [[charlatan]] The channel claimed that he had stayed in a luxury hotel in [[Hyderabad]] with a young woman. The report also included images of him wearing a T-shirt and jeans. This triggered widespread protests in the state. He was arrested on 8 August 2015. {{As of|September 2015}}, the state police is investigating various charges against him.

==Life==
{{Location map | Orissa
| width =
| float =
| caption = Location of Sarathi's Mahipala ashram in Odisha
| alt = Location of Sarathi's Mahipala ashram in Odisha
| label = Mahipala
| label_size = 100 
| position = bottom
| background =
| mark = Orange_pog.svg
| marksize = 8 
| lat_deg = 20.509700
| lon_deg = 85.407800
}}

Sarathi Baba was born as Santosh Kumar Raula in [[Ganjam district]].<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2015-08-07 |title=Evolution of a godman: How Santosh Raula became Sarathi Baba |url=https://sambadenglish.com/evolution-of-a-god-man-how-santosh-raula-became-sarathi-baba/ |access-date=2026-01-27 |website=Sambad English |language=en}}</ref> Later, his family moved to [[Kendrapara district]]. His father was an [[electricity meter]] reader in Mahipala, Kendrapara. He completed his [[matriculation]] from Gulnagar High School, Gulnagar, Kendrapara and joined [[Kendrapara Autonomous College, Kendrapara]]. He dropped out and worked as an errand boy for a while before leaving town in 1985.<ref name="Dropout">{{cite news |date=6 August 2015 |title=Sarathi Baba's Journey From a College Dropout to Spiritual Guru |url=http://incredibleorissa.com/sarathi-baba-journey-from-college-dropout-to-spiritual-guru/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808222656/http://incredibleorissa.com/sarathi-baba-journey-from-college-dropout-to-spiritual-guru/ |archive-date=2015-08-08 |accessdate=16 August 2015 |work=Incredible Orissa}}</ref><ref name=Tense>{{cite news|title=Kendrapara tense over godman|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150805/jsp/odisha/story_35371.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807232036/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150805/jsp/odisha/story_35371.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 August 2015|accessdate=17 August 2015|work=[[The Telegraph (India)]]|date=5 August 2015}}</ref>

In 1992, he returned and established a small [[ashram]] in Barimula on the Kendrapara-Indupur road. He began organising [[satsang]]s. He also began performing miracles like materialising [[vibhuti]] and dripping [[honey]] from his feet. With this, he began attracting large crowds.<ref name=Dropout/> He claimed to be an [[avatar]] of [[Krishna]] and asked his young female devotees to serve him as [[gopi]]s.<ref name=GuptSeva>{{cite news|title=Gopis queued up for Sarathi Baba's 'gupt seva' after 11 pm|url=http://www.asianage.com/india/gopis-queued-sarathi-baba-s-gupt-seva-after-11-pm-468|accessdate=17 August 2015|work=[[The Asian Age]]|date=12 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=Palanka>{{cite news|title=Beautiful women provided 'palanka seva' to Sarathi Baba!|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/11/beautiful-women-provided-palanka-seva-to-sarathi-baba/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150811185601/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/11/beautiful-women-provided-palanka-seva-to-sarathi-baba/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=11 August 2015|accessdate=17 August 2015|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=11 August 2015}}</ref>

Sarathi Baba's relations had not been amicable with the locals. On 12 November 2013, [[Kendrapara]] locals had protested by blockading a highway with [[burning tires]]. They said the members and visitors of Sarathi Baba's Barimula ashram were encroaching land by using the main road, the cremation ground and grazing fields for parking.<ref name=KpadaRoad>{{cite news|title=Sarathi Baba devotees' parking on K'pada road protested|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/sarathi-baba-devotees-parking-on-kpada-road-protested.html|accessdate=16 August 2015|date=23 November 2013|work=[[The Pioneer (India)]]}}</ref> In January 2015, locals met the [[District Collector]] Pramod Kumar Das and demanded action against Sarathi. They said that he was encroaching land and hiring goons to quieten them. However, an aide of Sarathi said that the locals were merely jealous of his popularity.<ref name=KpadaBaba>{{cite news|title=Action sought against K'pada Baba|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/bhubaneswar/action-sought-against-kpada-baba.html|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=[[The Pioneer (India)]]|date=9 January 2015}}</ref>

==Controversy==

===Exposé===
[[File:Sarathi Mandir Gate.jpg|thumb|Entrance of the "Sarathi temple"]]
On 4 August 2015, a TV channel broadcast a report which showed Sarathi Baba in a hotel lobby in [[Banjara Hills]], [[Hyderabad]]. The [[godman (India)|Baba]] who usually wore traditional whites, was seen in a T-shirt and jeans. He had checked in and stayed with a woman in her 20s, whom he had introduced as his wife, from 3 to 5 July. The report claimed that he had ordered chicken and alcohol. A former aide of Sarathi, Kailash Chandra Mallick, also appeared on the report and said that the Sarathi's public image and miracles were made up.<ref name=Sting>{{cite news|title=Sting on escapades singes Odisha godman Sarathi Baba|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/05/odisha-godman-sarathi-baba-embroiled-in-controversy/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821002834/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/05/odisha-godman-sarathi-baba-embroiled-in-controversy/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 August 2015|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=4 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=CMprobe/>

The TV channels identified the woman as a 24-year-old [[MBBS]] student at [[Shri Ramachandra Bhanj Medical College]], [[Cuttack]].<ref name=DidGo/> Sarathi Baba responded to the report as an attempt to defame him.<ref name=Sting/>

===Protests===
By 4 August evening, protests had begun in [[Kendrapara]], [[Bhubaneswar]] and other parts of the state.<ref name=Sting/><ref name=Capital>{{cite news|title=Protesters demand arrest of Sarathi Baba in Odisha capital|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/05/protesters-demand-arrest-of-sarathi-baba-in-odisha-capital/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821055745/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/05/protesters-demand-arrest-of-sarathi-baba-in-odisha-capital/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 August 2015|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=5 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=Beefedup>{{cite news|title=Security beefed up at Sarathi Baba's Ashram in Kendrapara|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/06/security-beefed-up-in-sarathi-ashram-in-odishas-kendrapara/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821141636/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/06/security-beefed-up-in-sarathi-ashram-in-odishas-kendrapara/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 August 2015|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=6 August 2015}}</ref> On 5 August, a group of Sarathi's devotees organised a press conference to defend him. But, they were surrounded by members of [[women's right]]s groups. They had to be rescued by the police.<ref name=Rescued>{{cite news|title=Sarathi Baba supporters rescued by police in Odisha capital|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/05/sarathi-baba-supporters-rescued-by-police-in-odisha-capital/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821061806/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/05/sarathi-baba-supporters-rescued-by-police-in-odisha-capital/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 August 2015|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=5 August 2015}}</ref> On 5 August, Sarathi Baba told the media that he had not gone to Hyderabad. He admitted those images to be his own. But added that the images were from a hotel in [[Ujjain]]. Later, the TV channels produced plane ticket records of Sarathi and his female companion.<ref name=DidGo>{{cite news|title=Odisha godman's lie nailed; he did go to Hyderabad with woman|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/07/odisha-godmans-lie-nailed-he-did-go-to-hyderabad-with-woman/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822004508/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/07/odisha-godmans-lie-nailed-he-did-go-to-hyderabad-with-woman/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=22 August 2015|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=7 August 2015}}</ref>

On 6 August 2015, the [[Government of Odisha]] directed the Crime Branch of [[Odisha Police]] to investigate the accusations of sex scandal and financial malpractices against Sarathi.<ref name=ToInvestigate>{{cite news|title=Police to investigate allegations against self-styled godman Srimad Sarathi|url=http://www.iamin.in/en/bhubaneswar/news/police-investigate-allegations-against-self-styled-godman-srimad-sarathi-66437|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809001158/http://www.iamin.in/en/bhubaneswar/news/police-investigate-allegations-against-self-styled-godman-srimad-sarathi-66437|url-status=unfit|archive-date=9 August 2015|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=[[DNA India]]|date=6 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=CBprobe>{{cite news|title=Crime Branch to probe Sarathi Baba controversy|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Crime-Branch-to-probe-Sarathi-Baba-controversy/articleshow/48380725.cms|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=6 August 2015}}</ref> On the same day, police in Barimula [[lathi charge]]d protestors and damaged vehicles near the ashram.<ref name=Berserk>{{cite news|title=Police goes berserk; thrashes protestors near Sarathi Ashram|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/07/police-goes-berserk-thrashes-protestors-near-sarathi-ashram/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806210406/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/07/police-goes-berserk-thrashes-protestors-near-sarathi-ashram/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=6 August 2015|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=6 August 2015}}</ref> On the same day, the MBBS student's mother told TV channels that her daughter was in her college hostel from 3 to 5 July. Later, the TV channels produced the student's leave application.<ref name=CMprobe>{{cite news|title=CM orders Sarathi probe|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150807/jsp/frontpage/story_35878.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810164731/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150807/jsp/frontpage/story_35878.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 August 2015|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=[[The Telegraph (India)]]|date=7 August 2015}}</ref>

On 7 August, the protests continued in [[Kendrapara district]]. The protesters pelted stones near the Barimula ashram. The police fired [[tear gas]] and [[lathi charge]]d to dispel the mob. Section 144 of [[Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973]] ([[illegal assembly]]) imposed to prevent more rioting.<ref name=BoilOver>{{cite news|title=Kendrapada on boil over Sarathi Baba controversy|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/Kendrapada-on-boil-over-Sarathi-Baba-controversy/articleshow/48389830.cms|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=7 August 2015}}</ref> Also on 7 August, Nitinjeet Singh was appointed the Kendrapada [[Superintendent of police]], replacing Satish Gajbhiye. Meanwhile, the MBBS student appeared on a phone interview with a TV channel and said that Sarathi was being trapped in a conspiracy by some of his associates.<ref name=BacksBaba>{{cite news|title=SP shunted, Sec 144 imposed in Kendrapada; woman backs baba|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhubaneswar/SP-shunted-Sec-144-imposed-in-Kendrapada-woman-backs-baba/articleshow/48401848.cms|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=8 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=MysteryWoman>{{cite news|title=Mystery woman admits she went to Hyderabad with Baba|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/07/mystery-woman-admits-she-went-to-hyderabad-with-baba/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821215528/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/07/mystery-woman-admits-she-went-to-hyderabad-with-baba/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 August 2015|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=7 August 2015}}</ref>

Also on late 7 August 2015, the MBBS student filed a complaint at a Cuttack police station that four former associates of Sarathi had been harassing her since before the controversy. She said that they possessed a video of her bathing and had threatened to release it. She added that on their instruction she had insisted to Sarathi that he take her with him to Hyderabad.<ref name=MysteryWoman/><ref name=MedicoFears>{{cite news|title=Woman medico fears threat to life|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/woman-medico-fears-threat-to-life/article7514076.ece|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=8 August 2015}}</ref>

===Arrest and investigation===

On 8 August 2015, Sarathi was arrested from his ashram. He was booked under Section 420 ([[fraud]]), 120 (B) ([[criminal conspiracy]]) and 341 (wrongful restraint) of the [[Indian Penal Code]], and also under [[Arms Act, 1959]] and [[Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989]].<ref name=SarathiArrested>{{cite news|title=Controversial Odisha 'Godman' Sarathi Baba Arrested|url=http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/controversial-odisha-godman-sarathi-baba-arrested-1205208|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=[[NDTV]]|date=8 August 2015}}</ref> The woman was sent to her hometown [[Paradip]] and given police protection.<ref name=SentHome>{{cite news|title=Sarathi Baba's lady disciple taken home; given security|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/09/sarathi-babas-lady-disciple-taken-home-given-security/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150810040742/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/09/sarathi-babas-lady-disciple-taken-home-given-security/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=10 August 2015|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=9 August 2015}}</ref>

The police officials said that Sarathi had admitted to visiting [[Hyderabad]] under the interrogation.<ref name="CBprobe"/> On 13 August, Satish Gajbhiye was suspended for using excess force while handling the protesters.<ref name=SPSuspend>{{cite news|title=Former Kendrapara SP suspended|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/former-kendrapara-sp-suspended/article7538360.ece|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=14 August 2015}}</ref> The police reopened a missing person case from April 2013. He was a devotee and a [[chit fund]] agent had gone to Sarathi's ashram but had gone missing.<ref name=MissingSon>{{cite news|title=Woman files FIR against Odisha Godman Sarathi Baba over missing son|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/12/woman-files-fir-against-odisha-godman-sarathi-baba-over-missing-son/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812182430/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/12/woman-files-fir-against-odisha-godman-sarathi-baba-over-missing-son/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=12 August 2015|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=12 August 2015}}</ref> Also the same day, the state education department suspended a public school teacher, Sarat Patra, who was also a close associate of the Baba. Patra had spoken at a press conference in the defence of Sarathi.<ref name=SuspendedTeach>{{cite news|title=Sarathi's aide Sarat suspended from teacher post|url=http://pragativadi.com/top-stories/sarathis-aide-sarat-suspended-from-teacher-post#.Vn9c6k9R2D4|accessdate=27 December 2015|work=[[Pragativadi]]|date=13 August 2015}}</ref>

On 15 August 2015, the MBBS student filed a [[first information report]] (FIR) under claiming that Sarathi's women aides had threatened to kill her if she spoke against him.<ref name=FreshFIR>{{cite news|title=Sarathi Baba's woman companion lodges fresh FIR against the godman|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-sarathi-baba-s-woman-companion-lodges-fresh-fir-against-the-godman-2114873|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=[[DNA India]]|date=15 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=PlotKill>{{cite news|title=Associate accuses godman Sarathi Baba of plotting to kill her|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/associate-accuses-godman-sarathi-baba-of-plotting-to-kill-her/|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=16 August 2015}}</ref> Also on 15 August 2015, his [[bail]] petition was rejected.<ref name=Independence>{{cite news|title=No relief for Odisha 'Godman' Sarathi Baba on Independence Day, sent to jail|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/no-relief-for-odisha-godman-sarathi-baba-on-independence-day-sent-to-jail/|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=[[The Indian Express]]|date=15 August 2015}}</ref> On 19 August 2015, a woman filed a complaint in Nikirai, [[Kendrapara district|Kendrapara]], claiming that her husband and her in-laws tortured after she did not submit to Sarathi after her marriage in January 2015.<ref name=DNA-SarathiIntimate>{{cite news|title=Woman alleges torture for refusing to be intimate with godman Sarathi Baba|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-woman-alleges-torture-for-refusing-to-be-intimate-with-godman-sarathi-baba-2115936|accessdate=19 October 2015|work=[[DNA India]]|date=19 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=Sun-Torture>{{cite news|title=Odisha man tortured wife for not surrendering to Baba!|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/19/odisha-man-tortured-wife-for-not-surrendering-to-baba/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819073354/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/19/odisha-man-tortured-wife-for-not-surrendering-to-baba/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=19 August 2015|accessdate=19 October 2015|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=19 August 2015}}</ref> On 19 August, Satyam Sekhar Roul, the adopted son of Sarathi, was arrested from a hotel in [[Mumbai]]. He had been in hiding.<ref name=DNA-SonArrest>{{cite news|title=Sarathi Baba's absconding son nabbed by Odisha police|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-sarathi-baba-s-absconding-son-nabbed-by-odisha-police-2116280|accessdate=19 October 2015|work=[[DNA India]]|date=19 August 2015}}</ref> Also on 19 August, Pramod Mohanty, a close aide of Sarathi, died. His family said that he died due to a heart attack caused by stress and they cremated him without an [[autopsy]] in [[Jagatsinghpur]]. He was being questioned by the police about his associate with the godman.<ref name=Hin-Mysteriously>{{cite news|title=Sarathi devotee dies mysteriously|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/sarathi-devotee-dies-mysteriously/article7559248.ece|accessdate=19 October 2015|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=20 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=Sun-aideDeath>{{cite news|title=Mystery shrouds death of key Sarathi Baba aide|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/19/mystery-shrouds-death-of-key-sarathi-baba-aide/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150819220849/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/19/mystery-shrouds-death-of-key-sarathi-baba-aide/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=19 August 2015|accessdate=19 October 2015|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=19 August 2015}}</ref>

On 26 August, the state government admitted to the [[Odisha Legislative Assembly|legislative assembly]] that it had given grants to Sarathi Baba from public funds. On the recommendations of [[Biju Janata Dal|BJD]] [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]]s, Bed Prakash Agrawal and Pratap Keshari Deb, {{INRconvert|15.4|l}} was granted for building a Sarathi [[community centre]] and two Sarathi temples. Deb said that people in his constituency had approached him for community centre in Bharatpur near [[Patrapur]]. But after it was completed it was named after Sarathi. Agrawal said that he made the recommendation because of the people's demand. Ashok Chandra Panda, the state tourism minister, revealed that Agrawal had recommended that the ashram be designated a tourist spot.<ref name=TT-FundsGiven>{{cite news|title=Funds given to Sarathi: Govt|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150827/jsp/odisha/story_39230.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150911160627/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150827/jsp/odisha/story_39230.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 September 2015|accessdate=19 October 2015|work=[[The Telegraph (India)]]|date=27 August 2015}}</ref>

On 27 August, the statement of Surendra Mallick, the manager of the Barimula ashram, was recorded in Kendrapada court.<ref name=SurendraStatement>{{cite news|title=Sarathi aide's statement recorded in court|url=http://pragativadi.com/state-at-large/sarathi-aides-statement-recorded-in-court#.Vn9NNE9R2D4|accessdate=27 December 2015|work=[[Pragativadi]]|date=28 August 2015}}</ref> On 28 August, Sarat Patra, a key aide of Sarathi, was arrested by the police. The suspended school teacher was charged with threatening the medical student. Another woman had come forward and complained that Patra had coerced women into having sexual relations with the Baba.<ref name=ChelaNo1>{{cite news|title=Odisha Crime Branch arrests Sarathi Baba's Chela No 1|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/28/odisha-crime-branch-arrests-sarathi-babas-chela-no-1/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150829000024/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/28/odisha-crime-branch-arrests-sarathi-babas-chela-no-1/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=29 August 2015|accessdate=27 December 2015|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=28 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=SaratArrest>{{cite news|title=Sarathi's Close Aide Sarat Arrested by CB|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Sarathis-Close-Aide-Sarat-Arrested-by-CB/2015/08/29/article2999186.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117233642/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Sarathis-Close-Aide-Sarat-Arrested-by-CB/2015/08/29/article2999186.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 November 2015|accessdate=27 December 2015|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=29 August 2015}}</ref> On 30 August, more suspects, Pilaski Swain, Biswajit Patnaik and Haris Chandra Das, were arrested. They had allegedly taken {{INRconvert|20|l}} from Satyam to help him escape the police. About {{INRconvert|16.95|l}} was recovered from them.<ref name=EvadeArrest20l>{{cite news|title=Sarathi's Son Paid Rs 20L to Evade Arrest|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Sarathis-Son-Paid-Rs-20L-to-Evade-Arrest/2015/09/01/article3004252.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904003938/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Sarathis-Son-Paid-Rs-20L-to-Evade-Arrest/2015/09/01/article3004252.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 September 2015|accessdate=27 December 2015|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=1 September 2015}}</ref><ref name=FleeBaba>{{cite news|title=3 held by CB for helping God man Sarathi Baba's son to flee|url=http://www.uniindia.com/3-held-by-cb-for-helping-god-man-sarathi-baba-s-son-to-flee/other/news/183988.html|accessdate=27 December 2015|work=[[United News of India]]|date=31 August 2015}}</ref>

On 15 September, Patra's [[bail bond]] was approved.<ref name=PatraBail>{{cite news|title=Sarathi row: Court grants bail to Sarat Patra|url=http://pragativadi.com/state-at-large/sarathi-row-court-grants-bail-to-sarat-patra#.Vn9KmE9R2D4|accessdate=27 December 2015|work=[[Pragativadi]]|date=15 September 2015}}</ref> On 2 December, Satyam Raul was granted bail by the [[Odisha High Court]].<ref name=BailAdoptedSon>{{cite news|title=HC grants conditional bail to Sarathi Baba s adopted son|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/cuttack/HC-grants-conditional-bail-to-Sarathi-Baba-s-adopted-son/articleshow/50020947.cms|accessdate=27 December 2015|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=3 December 2015}}</ref>

===Discovered assets===

His {{convert|2.47|acre}} ashram in Barimula, Kendrapara, has been estimated to be worth {{INRConvert|4.48|c}}.<ref name=New-4Crore>{{cite news|title=Sarathi Baba's Ashram Valued at Rs 4.48 Crore|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Sarathi-Babas-Ashram-Valued-at-Rs-4.48-Crore/2015/08/20/article2984316.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150820224919/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Sarathi-Babas-Ashram-Valued-at-Rs-4.48-Crore/2015/08/20/article2984316.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 August 2015|accessdate=19 October 2015|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=20 August 2015}}</ref> On 12 August 2015, a Crime Branch official told the media that they had found {{INRConvert|2.55|c}} deposited in about 22 bank accounts belonging to Sarathi.<ref name="CBprobe"/> By 14 August, the police has found 50 plots of land worth {{INRConvert|1|c}} belonging to the Baba. They also found 30–40 branches of Sarathi's organisation across the state. These organisations used to collect cash from devotees.<ref name=CashNotCheques>{{cite news|title=Controversial Godman Sarathi Baba Wanted Cash, Not Cheques, At His Feet|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Controversial-Godman-Sarathi-Baba-Wanted-Cash-Not-Cheques-At-His-Feet/2015/08/14/article2974596.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151115150907/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Controversial-Godman-Sarathi-Baba-Wanted-Cash-Not-Cheques-At-His-Feet/2015/08/14/article2974596.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 November 2015|accessdate=16 August 2015|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=14 August 2015}}</ref> By 23 August, the police had seized {{INRConvert|27|l}} from accounts under Satyam's name.<ref name=Tele-Grill/>

Satyam used to manage the film production company Srimad Sarathi Productions, which used to produce music albums and films. The [[Odia language|Odia]] film ''Bachelor'' released in 2012 was its first feature film.<ref name=Tele-Grill>{{cite news|title=Cops grill baba's son again|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150823/jsp/odisha/story_38644.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823153756/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150823/jsp/odisha/story_38644.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=23 August 2015|accessdate=19 October 2015|work=[[The Telegraph (India)]]|date=23 August 2015}}</ref><ref name=Sun-Prod>{{cite news|title=Odisha Crime Branch to investigate Srimad Sarathi Productions|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/21/odisha-crime-branch-to-investigate-srimad-sarathi-productions/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821211049/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/08/21/odisha-crime-branch-to-investigate-srimad-sarathi-productions/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 August 2015|accessdate=19 October 2015|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=21 August 2015}}</ref>

===Protests against other gurus===
Following the arrest of Sarathi Baba, people in Odisha began protesting against other alleged fraud spiritual leaders. This forced many gurus to go underground and forced authorities to start investigations against them.<ref name=HT-underground>{{cite news|title=Odisha godmen go underground to escape media spotlight|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/odisha-godmen-go-underground-to-escape-media-spotlight/story-eaHPUMfS0NgEnTFAFMvf1H.html|accessdate=19 October 2015|work=[[Hindustan Times]]|date=9 September 2015}}</ref> On 30 August 2015, protesters vandalised an ashram belonging to Sura Baba on the outskirts of [[Bhubaneswar]], and set fire on several vehicles in the compound.<ref name=New-Fire>{{cite news|title=Mob Ransacks Trahi Achyuta Ashram in Bhubaneswar, Sets Vehicles Afire|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Mob-Ransacks-Trahi-Achyuta-Ashram-in-Bhubaneswar-Sets-Vehicles-Afire/2015/08/31/article3002375.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831182153/http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/Mob-Ransacks-Trahi-Achyuta-Ashram-in-Bhubaneswar-Sets-Vehicles-Afire/2015/08/31/article3002375.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 August 2015|accessdate=19 October 2015|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=31 August 2015}}</ref> On 31 August, Sura Baba and his two sons were arrested from their ashram.<ref name=IT-SuraArrest>{{cite news|title=Self-styled godman Sura baba arrested after clash in Odisha|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/self-styled-godman-sura-baba-arrested-after-clash-in-odisha-260556-2015-08-31|access-date=19 October 2015|work=[[India Today]]|date=1 September 2015}}</ref> On 5 September 2015, forest officials evicted a godman, Bana Baba, from his ashram Darshanibanta near [[Konark]]. His ashram was encroaching {{convert|19.6|acres}} of protected forest under the [[Balukhand-Konark Wildlife Sanctuary]].<ref name=TT-BabaBana>{{cite news|title=Bana baba lands in trouble|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150906/jsp/odisha/story_41031.jsp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912232906/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150906/jsp/odisha/story_41031.jsp|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 September 2015|accessdate=19 October 2015|work=[[The Telegraph (India)]]|date=6 September 2015}}</ref>

===Trial===
On 17 December 2015, the Crime Branch of Odisha Police formally filed charge-sheets against Sarathi, his son and four others.<ref name=Chargesheets>{{cite news|title=Odisha CB files chargesheets against Sarathi Baba in two cases|url=http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/12/17/odisha-cb-files-chargesheets-against-sarathi-baba-in-two-cases/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128174640/http://odishasuntimes.com/2015/12/17/odisha-cb-files-chargesheets-against-sarathi-baba-in-two-cases/|url-status=usurped|archive-date=28 January 2016|accessdate=13 January 2016|work=Odisha Sun Times|date=17 December 2015}}</ref> On 11 January 2016, Sarathi was presented at the sub-divisional judicial magistrate (SDJM) court after a long absence from public sight. A mob of devotees gathered at the premises to get a glimpse of him. Several devotees, mostly women, threw petals on him and attempted to garland him. But, they were held back by the police. Recently Saarthi has got bail.<ref name=ArrestGlimpse>{{cite news|title=Devotees throng court to have a glimpse of arrested godman|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/devotees-throng-court-to-have-a-glimpse-of-arrested-godman/article8094048.ece|accessdate=23 January 2016|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=12 January 2016}}</ref>

==References==
{{Reflist|3}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Baba, Sarathi}}
[[Category:Indian Hindu spiritual teachers]]
[[Category:21st-century Hindu religious leaders]]
[[Category:People from Odisha]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian prisoners and detainees]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]

Sarathi Baba - Revision history

Kkasthana: new