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Bhubaneswar: A fresh controversy has erupted in Odisha’s Balangir district involving popular Jatra artiste Nisha Maharana, after reports emerged that a local police officer allegedly inaugurated and attended a show where she allegedly performed an obscene dance.

It is being alleged that Chandanbhati police outpost in-charge, ASI Ranjit Pradhan, not only inaugurated the event on January 12 but was also present among the audience, reportedly watching the performance without intervening. Visuals have surfaced, showing him standing in close proximity to the stage. This has led to public outrage with questions raised over the officer’s conduct, potential negligence of duty, and why no immediate action was taken on the spot.

While the ASI is yet to respond to the allegation, Balangir police have registered a case against Maharana at the Balangir Sadar police station based on a complaint from sections of the audience objecting to the performance, described as obscene and violative of public decency norms, during the show in Chandanbhati area.

Two organisers of the event – Surendra Nag and Radheshyam Meher – were also arrested in connection with the case and and subsequently granted bail. A police team has also been dispatched to Bhubaneswar to locate and apprehend the dancer, with sources indicating her arrest appears imminent as investigations continue to determine the exact nature of the performance.

This episode adds to Maharana’s history of repeated controversies surrounding her item dances in Jatra shows across Odisha and beyond. Similar allegations recently surfaced in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district, where her performance led to arrests 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.

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.