Bhubaneswar: Ollywood singer Asima Panda, who was stopped performing midway by the police at a cultural show at the famous Bali Jatra in Odisha’s Cuttack city, has blamed the police for not responding to her repeated calls when she was stuck in a traffic jam in Angul district.
Taking to social media, Aseema stated that while she was going in a car to perform in a function, she got stuck in a traffic jam on the National Highway near Mahidharpur. She also posted a video showing her waiting inside the car while a procession was going on the NH.
After managing to come out of the traffic jam, she proceeded to her destination and reached Mahidharpur Beat House under Banarpal police limits in the district. She posted another video showing some policemen participating in a feast at the Beat House.
Pointing out laxity on the part of the police while people were facing difficulties due to the procession, she claimed that she had called up several times to Banarpal police station, Angul police station and Dhenkanal police station to seek their assistance to clear the traffic jam. But none of the police stations respond to her calls, she alleged.
In his response to the allegation, Angul SDPO Ramakant Mahalik said the local police were not aware of the incident nor any written complaint was filed in this regard.
It may be noted that the police action at the cultural show at Bali Jatra had triggered resentment among the visitors. Later, the ADM said as the time was running out, the police had performed their duties. He said the cultural programme is allowed to continue until 10 pm at the Bali Jatra ground.