Actress Usasi Misra manhandled in Angul

Angul: Popular Odia actress Usasi Misra on Moday alleged that she was physically assaulted by three persons while on her way to perform in a jatra show at Derang in Angul district on Sunday night.

In a complaint filed at the Kanhia police station today, Usasi named one  Indramani Sahu and his two sons of assaulting her just as she was ascending the stage for performance organised by the Eastern Blue Opera.

The accused also damaged her vehicle, she alleged.

"I shudder to think how the three men were on top of me and trying to rip off my cloth. The entire thing happened between11.45 to midnight. Strict action should be taken against the attackers. I was able to save myself just because I know Taekwondo or I could have been killed," Usasi said.

In a social media post soon after the incident, the actress described her plight  and how she fought back to save herself. The post which is now removed, Usasi wrote that she was “manhandled” “molested” and “badmouthed.” Pointing out at the sheer negligence of the jatra committee and management, Usasi raised questions about the safety of general women when a media figure like her had to undergo such ordeal.  “They tried to rip my clothes. I gave a good fight and saved myself,” her post read.

Confirming the reports,  Kanhia officer in-charge Sukanti Kerkata said “We have received the FIR and a probe has been initiated into the incident.”

Pallahara SDPO Yashwant Samal informed that soon after the actress reached the venue, there was jostle among villagers and someone from the crowd suddenly hit her.

“Upon being hit, Usasi got infuriated and slapped a person. This triggered tension and the villagers did not allow the theatre show to be preformed. Later police reached the spot and pacified the crowd," Samal added.

Later in the day, Kaniha Police arrested Indramani Sahu's driver Dushmanta Behera, who allegedly thrashed the actress.