Post News Network
Kendrapara, August 9: A Crime Branch (CB) team late Saturday night conducted a raid at Tinimuhani-based residence-cum-office of chartered accountant Gitiranjan Mekap, who was engaged by Baba Sarathi to audit the transactions of Satyam Charitable Trust.
The CB team quizzed Mekap for nearly three hours and seized several documents, a laptop and a hard disk from his possession.
According to Mekap , he cooperated with the CB personnel during the inquiry. Mekap Sunday was again asked to come to CB office for further inquiry.
The CB Saturday night conducted raids on two saree traders of the town, who are said to be close devotees of the godman. Even the CB officials asked the two traders not to leave Kendrapara and cooperate with them in the inquiry whenever they will be called in.
A fact-finding team of Progressive Lawyers’ Association (PLA) Sunday visited Sarathi Ashram and discussed with locals to get more clues on Sarathi.
According to Doli Das, a social worker–cum-PLA member, several girls and women had faced sexual harassment and sexual abuse from Sarathi. As these girl’s protested, they were driven out from Sarathi Ashram even during night. The victims used to remain in Barimula-based short stay home. These girls, however, kept mum fearing Sarathi, who had connections with several high profile politicians and senior officials.
Doli Das stated that several CCTVs were installed in bath rooms and other private rooms made for the devotees for their night halts at the Ashram.
Ashram inmates used to blackmail women and girls after getting their nude photos through installed CCTVs.
Meanwhile, the district Congress committee demanded a CBI inquiry into Sarathi escapades and suspension of former SP Satish Kumar Gajbhiye. They said they will organise a rally and gherao collector office Monday, if the above demands are not met.
Similarly, the district unit of the BJP announced to stage a two-hour dharna in front of all the police stations demanding arrest of Gajbhiye.
The district bar association will organise a cease work Monday protesting the attack of police on one of the lawyers. A fact-finding team of the High Court is scheduled to visit Kendrapara in the wake of the barbaric attack on people by police personnel, including the former SP of Kendrapara, informed Bhimasen Bhuiyan, the president of district bar association.
