Imposing several stringent conditions and allowing him to seek police protection wherever and whenever required, the Orissa High Court on Friday granted bail to self-styled godman Sarathi Baba alias Santosh Roul, who was arrested by the Crime Branch police from his Barimul Ashram in Kendrapada district on August 8, 2015.
But Sarathi is unlikely to walk free from the Choudwar Circle Jail here in near future as the Supreme Court has refused to grant him bail in February this year in a case of assault on a dalit woman. The apex court has, however, granted him bail in a case pertaining to threats issued by him to a woman medico.
Justice CR Dash of High Court on Friday allowed Sarathi’s bail application in the case in which he was booked under several Sections of IPC, SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Arms Act and Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act for indulging in criminal activities and cheating people misusing religious and spiritual practices.
Imposing the conditions, the court asked him that in the event of his release from jail, he shall not participate in any form of religious processions, shall not enter into his Barimul Ashram or visit Kendrapada district either. He shall also not use himself or any of his followers in giving religious preaching or address any religious meetings.
However, on the plea of the Crime Branch that there are threat perceptions on the fake godman from angry public, the court allowed him to seek police protection whenever and wherever required. For this, he has to remain in constant touch with the police and inform the police in advance about his visits to different places, the HC ordered.
Notably, the District and Sessions Court here has already begun trial in all the three cases involving Sarathi, who is cooling his heels in jail ever since his arrest almost three years ago.