Balangir: In a swift response to public outrage over an alleged obscene performance, the Balangir police in Odisha have transferred Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ranjit Padhan from Chandanbhati outpost to the district police headquarters.
It was alleged that ASI Padhan not only inaugurated the Jatra show on January 12 but was also present among the audience, reportedly watching the obscene dance performance by Nisha Maharana without intervening. Visuals surfaced, showing him standing in close proximity to the stage.
The incident, which reportedly violated public decency norms, triggered complaints from spectators and led to widespread criticism, prompting immediate administrative measures by the police department.
Earlier, Balangir police have registered a case against the dancer and event organisers. Two organisers, identified as Surendra Nag and Radheshyam Meher, were arrested on January 12 following interroga
tion. They were later released on bail. A police team was also dispatched to Bhubaneswar to locate and apprehend the dancer, with sources indicating that her arrest appeared imminent amid investigation to determine the exact nature of the performance.
This episode is one of the many controversies surrounding Maharana’s item dances in Jatra shows across Odisha and beyond. Similar allegations recently surfaced in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district, where her performance led to the arrest of 14 organisers, suspension of three police personnel, and the transfer of Maunpur Sub-Divisional Officer Dr Tulsi Das Markama for allegedly granting permission without proper clearance and personally attending the show, following public backlash and viral videos, particularly from January 8-10.
The show was closed on January 10 on the orders of Gariaband Collector.
Speaking to the media on January 13, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan also warned of strict action, similar to Chhattisgarh, against organisers if they allowed obscene dance in Jatra. He confirmed that organisers and Jatra party owners have already been informed about the government’s stance.
Regular Jatra audiences have long called for curbs on such acts, arguing they tarnish the traditional cultural art form and make family-oriented events uncomfortable.