Bhubaneswar: Trahi Achyuta Ashram head Surendra Mishra, known as Sura Baba, and his two sons were today detained after an FIR was lodged against them for allegedly indulging in various illegal activities.
Mishra and his sons Trilochan and Biranchi were picked up from the ashram located at Jhinti Sasan in the wee hours and taken to the Commissionerate of Police headquarters here for questioning, a senior police official said.
The police action came shortly after angry locals went on the rampage leading to a clash between followers and opponents of Mishra at Jhinti last night. Allegation of land grabbing has also been levelled against him.
Several vehicles were damaged and set ablaze by the mob in reaction to reports on alleged immoral activities in the ashram. The protesters stormed into the ashram and ransacked parts of the building and other structures, drawing retaliation from the inmates, the police said.
Policemen later brought the situation under control and adequate force has been deployed in the area to maintain peace, the police said.
The FIR was lodged against them at Balianta Police Station by an activist yesterday.
On the basis of the complaint, a case has been registered against the three under various sections the IPC including 294 (singing, reciting or uttering obscene song, ballad or words, in or near public place)and 506 (criminal intimidation).
(PTI)