Bargarh: Hrusikesh Bhoi, popular for his iconic role of Kansa in Bargarh’s Dhanu Jatra, has landed in a soup over bribery allegation.
One Purna Chandra Sahu has lodged a complaint against Bhoi, employed as a government hearse driver, accusing him of demanding Rs 3,000 from him after driving the body of his father at his village, Bahala in Gaisilet block, from district headquarters hospital in Odisha’s Bargarh town.
The incident took place on Tuesday and the family appraised the Bargarh CDMO Nirupama Sarangi about the incident through a written complaint, the following morning. “The driver of the hearse van demanded Rs 3,000. He even stopped the vehicle in the middle of the road for money. As the family was in a state of grief, my brother-in-law gave the money without any argument. But, we have sent a letter to the CDMO, and requested to ensure other people are not exploited in similar manner,” Sahu said.
When contacted, Bargarh CDMO said that a show cause notice has been issue to Bhoi on the basis of the complaint. “The district collector is aware of the incident. A team will be formed to investigate the matter. The hearse service is provided free of cost, especially for the poor. If the allegation is proved, strict action will be initiated against him.”
Bhoi, however, had denied the allegation. “One of his family members recognised me and put the money in my shirt pocket. I could not say anything at that time. I did not even count the money. The next day, I went back and returned the money,” he claimed.