Odia Jatra actor Piyush Tripathy refutes accusations over financial matter

Piyush Tripathy, a celebrated figure in Odia traditional theatre, Jatra, found himself amid a swirling controversy involving a substantial amount of Rs 55 Lakh and a premium car. The dispute, escalating publicly on social media with the owner of a Jatra troupe, has driven Piyush to speak out from the OTV studio to clarify his position, on Tuesday.

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In his statement, actor Piyush confirmed having received both the money and the car but produced documentation indicating that he had returned the amount. He asked the Jatra party owner to collect the car key from OTV studio. Meanwhile, the troupe owner has stated plans to address these allegations tomorrow.

Queries swirl as to why Piyush has become embroiled in such a contentious matter. It is alleged that he accepted an advance from the Jatra party owner, though the specifics are contested. Piyush rebutted assertions by the Jatra owner, who has maintained that the car is officially registered under the name of the owner’s brother.

Piyush contended that Rs 30 Lakh was transferred directly to his account. He challenged the owner by asking whereabouts of the remaining money. To support his assertions, the actor showed a screenshot demonstrating that Rs 30 Lakh was returned to the Jatra owner’s bank account on March 1, 2025.

During his studio appearance, Piyush detailed the coercive measures allegedly employed by the Jatra party owner, which involved threats of self-harm if he refused to rejoin the troupe. He produced audio recordings and handwritten letters to substantiate these claims.

Confession of the actor in front of camera

“Social media had been showing controversy, so far. However, a newsroom (OTV studio) will show today a settlement. The car is now with me but after leaving the studio, it will no more be with me. I am keeping the key here and I will have no right on the vehicle hereafter. Moreover, second key of the car is in its dickey,” the actor Piyush asserted.

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Notably, the dispute, laden with substantial financial engagements and agreements, persists with both parties professing their versions of the truth.