Ramakanta Biswas

Sambalpur: A controversy erupted on Sunday after a video reportedly shot in the prohibited areas of Hirakud reservoir in Sambalpur showing three popular actresses of Ollywood and daughter of a State minister went viral on social media.

The viral video is purportedly showing actresses Prakruti Mishra, Elina Samantray and Lovina Nayak enjoying the moments in the restricted areas of the reservoir with Odisha health minister Naba Kishore Das' daughter Deepali.

Meanwhile with the matter coming to fore, questions have been raised whether the actresses and the minister's daughter had sought permission from the authority to enter the restricted area and shoot the video.

Taking note of the matter, Sambalpur superintendent of Police (SP) Kanwar Vishal Singh has issued a notice to Hirakud sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) asking him to submit a report in this regard. The SP has said further action will be taken on the basis of the report.

"SP has directed the SDPO to conduct a detailed probe and security in-charge of Hirakud reservoir has also been asked to investigate. After getting the probe reports, we will take further action," Additional SP Pradeep Kumar Mohapatra said.

Moreover, the SP has also directed Sambalpur cyber police to investigate the exact date of the shooting of the video and the person who posted it on the social media platforms.

In response to the allegations, Ollywood actress Prakruti Mishra said, "It was a mistake & won't happen again. We had taken permission for the visit, but were unaware that photos and videos were prohibited"

"Shooting video in the restricted zone was a mistake but I haven't committed it. Neither the video was captured by me nor have I uploaded it on social media. I am ready to face police probe," said Ollywood actress Elina Samantaray

Speaking on the matter, Odisha minister Naba Das said, "Have not seen the video and don't have any idea about the same. My daughter is a grown-up girl & law will take its own course."

Notably, shooting videos and photos is strictly restricted in the prohibited areas of Hirakud dam due to security issues.

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