TV
Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Saroj Kumar Sethi of Patna police station in Keonjhar has been transferred to the district headquarters, allegedly after some photos of him posing with Odia jatra dancer Nisha Maharana went viral on social media. The images, taken in multiple poses inside a green room and outside an opera venue, quickly spread across mobile networks in the district.
The incident is linked to a stage show organised by the Maa Bishaipat Yatra Committee in Tendara village
During the opera, Maharana’s dance performance sparked objections from some families, leading them to walk out midway. Amid the commotion, ASI Sethi was present at the venue to maintain order. However, photographs of him with the performer later surfaced online, further fueling controversy over his conduct.
Multiple Complaints Against Officer
Locals pointed out that the officer had faced earlier complaints of misconduct. In one case, complainant Saroj Nayak alleged.
“I had gone to the police station to lodge a complaint, but the ASI abused me and kept me detained from 12 noon to 7 pm. I only seek justice.”
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ASI Denies Allegations
Responding to the controversy, Sethi claimed the photos were not recent.
“These photos are over a year old and were taken in Barbil when I was on holiday. One person, whose work was not done at the police station, circulated them to defame me. There should be a proper investigation into this,” he said.
