A dispute has erupted within the jatra community in Odisha again, with allegations of assault involving Ashok Samrat jatra party owner Anant Narayan Dhal, popularly known as Nandu Babu, and actress Mamuni Sarangi. The claims revolve around a heated financial disagreement.
Allegations and Complaints
The incident allegedly took place at the Baliapal area of Bhadrak district. Mamuni has officially lodged a complaint at the Mahila Police Station in Bhubaneswar, prompting an investigation. However, Dhal has categorically refuted the claims, labelling them as baseless, and has brought a counter-allegation.
Past incidents mirror this conflict, notably involving an altercation between Dhal and comedian Nari Panda.
As tensions rise, Mamuni accused Dhal of deploying individuals to assault and intimidate her and her husband, Bapi Kumar, due to unresolved financial issues.
Financial Disputes According to Mamuni, the root of the dispute lies in unpaid dues amounting to Rs 7 lakh relating to the 2024-25 jatra season. Despite her prominent role, she claims that Dhal reluctantly paid Rs. 1 lakh, only succumbing to pressure during the running of a play.
Who Said What “If I had to return him Rs 2.5 lakh, then why did he pay me Rs 1 lakh. He (Dhal) is telling that I am cooking up a story. Now, the whole of Odisha will know the truth,” said Mamuni.
Further complications emerged when Mamuni alleged that her husband was mistreated, consequently leading her to intervene and subsequently suffer physical assault by the committee members at the insistence of Dhal on May 24.
“They took away her phone and used abusive language. When Mamuni prevented they threw a chair at her. We have to get payment Rs 7 lakh from the party, and we have all the proof,” said Mamuni’s husband Bapi Kumar.
However, Dhal refuted the allegations against him, asserting that no dues remain from his side, albeit Mamuni has to return Rs 2.5 lakh to him.
“We don’t have any outstanding amount due to her; rather she is supposed to return around Rs 2.5 lakh to us. We have also paid a fine for her. If it will be taken into account, then she will have to return Rs 15-Rs 20 lakh to us,” said Dhal.
In response, Mamuni further said, “The committee members assaulted me with his (Dhal) insistence. He also threatened to assault me further and set my vehicle alight.”
“Dhal has assaulted many artistes. However, they have not brought any allegations against him out of fear. A few cases like Nari Panda, Sonali Panda, and now Mamuni and her husband only came to the limelight,” said Nari Panda’s lawyer, Rabi Swain.
Must Read: Odia Jatra actress alleges assault by party owner Anant Narayan Dhal
Meanwhile, the Baliapal jatra committee has dismissed Mamuni’s allegations by terming it as baseless.
“The actress used abusive language against our committee members. I request all the jatra party owners to boycott the actress,” said Pitambar Sahu, President of Tarini Jatra Committee, Baliapal.
Meanwhile, as the legal process unfolds, the matter remains unresolved, capturing the attention of the jatra community across the state.