Close aide of godman arrested

A close aide of self-proclaimed godman Sarathi Baba was arrested and remanded in police cusody for three days today.

Sarat Patra was arrested during the day after marathon grilling yesterday.

Patra was arrested on the basis of the statement by a woman, police said but did not elaborate.

Sub-divisional judicial magistrate P K Routray rejected his bail plea and allowed the police three-day remand for further interrogation.

It is believed that Patra looked after management and financial activities of Sarathi ashram here.

Patra, a teacher at a government school, was placed under suspension earlier this month on charges of dereliction of duty after the arrest of Sarathi on charges of cheating.