‘Sadhus’ detained after locals question their identity in Bhubaneswar; verification on, says cop

The series of burglary incidents in Bhubaneswar has not only instilled fear in the minds of people, but also emerged as a major challenge for the Commissionerate Police. The situation is such that any uncommon attire or action by individuals is drawing suspicion among people here.

In one such incident, some locals on Saturday alerted local Maitri Vihar Police regarding the movement of some people dressed as ‘Sadhus’. It was alleged that group of four to five Sadhus were forcibly trying to enter some houses on the pretext of seeking money and other food items.

On getting information, a team of police officials reached the spot and brought the group to the police station for verification. However, the Sadhus claimed that they hail from Rajasthan and were on their way to Puri when they were detained by police.

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“We halt at places and were heading to Puri for darshan of Lord Jagannath when we were detained by police. We only seek dal, rice and other food items. We are not involved in any illegal activities,” said a detained Sadhu.

Another member of the group said, “We have not entered any person’s house. We had visited some houses and the owners had given us Rs 10 each and some food items. We had not demanded Rs 50 from anyone.”

A local resident alleged, “I have a video in which the group entered a house and threw some powder on a person. They are not Sadhus and we suspect that they could be some robbers.”

However, no formal complaint has been lodged by the concerned person at whose residence there was the alleged trespassing by the group of people.

Meanwhile, the inspector of the local police station said, “We have not received any formal complaint and we are verifying the matter.”