Bhubaneswar: Police on Saturday arrested a self-proclaimed godman for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman disciple at his ashram in Mathakargola area of Odisha’s Dhenkanal district.
The godman has been identified as Baba Madhu Mangal alias Madan Mohan Parida.
His arrest came a day after the woman, who worked as a helper in a restaurant run by the ashram under Kamakhya Nagar police limits, alleged that the accused sexually assaulted her while she was resting in her room. The incident took place on August 11. She further claimed that he bribed her with Rs 50,000 to stay quiet. She had been at the ashram for about 17-18 days.
Acting on her complaint, police picked the godman last night for questioning. A scientific team thoroughly inspected the ashram, with forensic experts examining rooms, collecting samples, and documenting the scene to gather supporting evidence. Certain portions of the ashram have also been sealed. The woman’s statement has been recorded as per legal procedure, sources said.