Objection over Nisha Maharana’s dance sparks clash, two injured

Bhubaneswar, Feb 10: A major clash erupted during a Jatra performance in Odisha’s Kendrapada district on Sunday night, leaving two people critically injured. The violence broke out over a dance performance by actress Nisha Maharana at Shuka Parishad Ashram under Kudanagari police limits, held as part of the Magha Mela celebrations.

According to sources, tensions arose when a section of the audience opposed the alleged obscene dance performance, while the event organizers insisted on continuing the show. A verbal altercation quickly escalated into a violent brawl, with chairs being hurled across the venue. The situation worsened when some individuals in the crowd threw burning cigarette butts at Maharana, forcing her to leave the stage abruptly.

Later that night, two organizing committee members—Swapnajit Mahapatra and Jitendra Sahu—were attacked with sharp weapons near Naganapur village while returning home. Both sustained critical injuries and were admitted to Nishintakoili Hospital for treatment.

The clash was reportedly fueled by rivalry between two cultural committees, each attempting to attract a larger audience. The Shuka Parishad Cultural Committee had invited Maharana to draw more spectators, leading to opposition from the rival group.

Following the violence, event organizers lodged a police complaint at Kudanagari police station, seeking compensation for damages, while Swapnajit and Jitendra also filed separate cases against their attackers.

It is noteworthy that the Odisha government has previously banned obscene dance performances in Jatra shows across the state.