Sarathi Baba followers celebrate New Year in Paradip, worship the self-styled godman

On the occasion of New Year, followers of the self-styled godman ‘Sarathi Baba’ came together on Thursday at Jardaripada locality in Paradip town of Jagatsinghpur district to celebrate with devotional singing and communal festivities.

Also Read: Charges framed against self-styled godman Sarathi in Odisha court

Devotees gathered before a photo of Sarathi aka Santosh Roul, offering bhajan and kirtan, and expressing heartfelt devotion.

During the celebrations, Sarathi’s followers and other participants also distributed food and blankets to the local residents, combining spiritual observance with charitable service. The event reflected both the joy of New Year and the followers’ commitment to serving the community.

The atmosphere was vibrant, with devotees immersing themselves in prayers, music, and acts of kindness, marking a ‘meaningful start’ to the year.

Worth mentioning, earlier in another incident, legal pressure had mounted on the godman Sarathi Baba on December 5 last year, with authorities framing charges against him. Formal charges were framed in the case originally filed by Odisha Crime Branch, marking a crucial step forward in the long-running investigation.

The submission had been made before the Special SC & ST Court in Cuttack, which proceeded with the next judicial stage. The next hearing of the case is scheduled for January 16, 2026, where further arguments and procedural developments are expected.

Investigators had noted that the framing of charges consolidates the evidence collected so far and signals the beginning of focused courtroom proceedings. The case, which has drawn significant public interest, continues to move through the legal system with renewed momentum.

However, no comments were then received from the Crime Branch in this regard.