Odisha godman Sura Baba's arrest sparks violence

Bhubaneswar, Aug 31: Locals clashed with police personnel on the outskirts of the Odisha capital on Monday after a self-styled godman was arrested and charged with sexually exploiting a woman.

The violence occurred near the Trahi Achyut Ashram as news spread about the arrest of the godman, Surendranath Mishra, and his son.

Even as police imposed prohibitory orders banning the assembly of five or more people, people collected at the place, forcing police to use canes in a bid to disperse them.

When the godman's supporters pelted stones at the police, they lobbed tear gas.

"We are trying to maintain law and order," said Police Commissioner R.P. Sharma. He said 12 people had been arrested for vandalism and hooliganism.

Police sources said several people were injured from both the sides in the clash. They included Deputy Commissioner of Police Satyabrat Bhoi.

Sharma said police would try to take police remand for the godman and his son to interrogate them.

A woman has lodged a complaint of sexual exploitation against the godman.

Police have slapped charges of wrongful restraint, wrongful confinement, obscenity and criminal intimidation against the godman.

Charges under the Arms Act have also been slapped against him following the recovery of two air guns and three 9 mm cartridges from the ashram.

IANS