An allegedly obscene dance performance by Nisha Maharana at a jatra in Bolangir district, Odisha, has triggered controversy after videos showed police personnel watching the act from close proximity. The incident occurred on January 12 at Chandanbhati under Bolangir Sadar police jurisdiction, where ASI Ranjit Pradhan, the local police outpost in-charge, was reportedly present and seen smiling during the performance.
The officer’s role has come under scrutiny as he allegedly did not intervene despite the nature of the act, and had even inaugurated the jatra programme. Following the matter coming to the notice of the Bolangir SP, an FIR was filed at Sadar police station. Two organisers were arrested and later released on bail, while raids were conducted in Bhubaneswar in search of Nisha Maharana.
The controversy is further intensified by a similar obscene performance by another woman, Lovely, two days prior at the same venue. Departmental action against ASI Pradhan is expected as questions mount over his conduct and alleged negligence of duty.
