Sarathi Baba released from jail after nearly four years

Self-styled godman Sarathi Baba alias Santosh Roul was released from Choudwar circle jail here on Thursday, officials said.

He was granted bail by the Orissa High Court on Monday. Roul was lodged in the jail ever since he was arrested from his Kendrapara Ashram in August 2015 by the state Crime Branch police.

"After receiving his release order from the SDJM court of Kendrapara and verifying the necessary documents, Santosh Roul was released from here at 7.20 pm," said Choudwar jail superintendent Pradeepta Kumar Behera.

Earlier in the day, the SDJM court in Kendrapara had completed the bail formalities of Roul after the bail bonds were produced by his lawyer as per the directions of the High Court.

He was granted bail against two local sureties of Rs two lakh each.

Sarathi Baba has been asked not to leave the state without the permission of the court. He has also been asked not to address or attend any public gatherings without prior permission from the court.

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