Post News Network
Kendrapara, August 7: Kendrapara town plunged into chaos Friday with thousands of protesters taking to the streets and clashing with police personnel, demanding the immediate arrest of self-proclaimed godman Prabhu Sarathi after reports emerged of his clandestine stay at a Hyderabad hotel with a young woman.
The protests were however dwarfed by unbridled police insensitivity, as policemen led by district superintendent of police Satish Gajbhiye unleashed a no-holds-barred lathicharge on the protesters. Gajbhiye was caught on camera forcing a lawyer, who was among the protesters, to do sit-ups. Video footage also showed the police officer repeatedly hitting a protester with his baton despite the latter pleading with folded hands to stop.
In a swift move, the government ordered Gajbhiye’s transfer out of Kendrapara district, appointing Nitinjeet Singh in his place. Gajbhiye is without assignment, and is now ‘officer without duty’.
Prohibitory orders under Section 144 Cr PC were imposed in sensitive areas of Kendrapara district while 20 platoons of police were deployed to maintain law and order.
Several protesters as well as policemen were injured as both sides pelted stones at each other.
CM Naveen Patnaik, who ordered a Crime Branch probe into Sarathi’s alleged escapades, directed Inspector General (Central) RP Koche to rush to Kendrapara and monitor the situation.
Crime Branch raids ashram
Cuttack: A six-member Crime Branch team reached Sarathi’a Barimula ashram and interrogated the self-styled godman for eight hours Friday. The CB grilled Sarathi in the presence of his associates. Over 500 grams of gold was seized, while all of Sarathi’s bank accounts were attached, said Crime Branch additional director general BK Sharma. “The investigation is being conducted after taking into consideration multiple facets of the case and all statements are being recorded,” Sharma said.