Kendrapara, Aug. 5: Tension mounted up today at Barimula after over a thousand agitators gathered up outside the ashram of self-styled godman, Srimad Sarathi Baba, following yesterday's controversy.

The agitators also staged a roadblock on the Indupur-Barimula road. People burned effigies of Sarathi Baba at various places in the district.

"Yesterday, a cross section of people lodged an FIR on charges of misdemeanour against the godman. We have acknowledged the complaint and are investigating the matter. If the charges were substantiated, a case would be registered against the person, according to the Indian Penal Code and relevant clauses of law," said sub-divisional police officer Purna Chandra Pradhan.

Armed police were deployed near the ashram to keep a close watch on the situation to avoid any breach in order.

A section of the crowd was trying to barge into the ashram, while others were throwing stones at the institute. However, the cops have dispersed the crowd and re-established order, said Pradhan.

People are visibly angry over Baba's alleged escapade. The situation is tense. However, nothing untoward has been reported so far, Pradhan said.

Sarathi Baba is known to enjoy governmental and political patronage. The tourism department has put up signboards about him near the ashram. A house committee of the Assembly, consisting of seven MLAs, had visited the ashram last year to seek his blessings.

"Arguably, the godman has flourished only because of the patronage of the BJD leaders. There should be a thorough and impartial inquiry into the state of affairs of Sarathi and his ashram. I have submitted a representation with the district collector in this regard," said Aul MLA Debendra Sharma.

Kendrapara collector Debraj Senapati said: "MLA Sharma's complaint has been forwarded to the police superintendent for further inquiry."

Yesterday, a local television channel alleged that Sarathi had stayed at a hotel in Hyderabad with a woman, whom he had posed as his spouse.

Pradhan told The Telegraph: "As Sarathi was not married, such an act is illegal. However, the police have nothing to do with it, as it does not fall under our purview. The complaint that we have received at the Sadar police station regarding massive fund raising and nefarious activities is being investigated."