Arrested "godman" to stay in jail for now

Self-styled godman Sarathi Baba, accused of sexual escapades, cheating and atrocities, will have to cool his heels behind the bars for some more time as the Orissa High Court today reserved its verdict after completing the hearing on his bail application.

Sarathi Baba, alias Santosh Roul, was arrested by the state crime branch in August last year.

One of her female devotees brought kidnap charges against him for which police booked Santosh under relevant sections of IPC, SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Arms Act and Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act.

The HC will give its order at a later date.