Uttar Pradesh police has taken a serious note of a footage telecast by an electronic channel which purportedly shows an Etah-based godman, known as "paani wale baba", kicking and pulling his women devotees by the hair.

"Following the footage in which 'Paani wale baba' alias Akela Singh, who had set up an ashram in Karanpur village, is purportedly shown kicking and pulling women devotees, we have asked Circle Officer and Inspector of the area to look into the matter," ADG (Law and Order) Brij Lal said here today.

The baba, who the locals claim treated ailing persons by giving them 'water', is absconding, the officer said.

The local police have been directed to identify the women victims and get their statement so that a case can be filed against him, the ADG said.