Bhubaneswar, Odisha : A major development unfolded in the ongoing dispute between popular Odia comedian and yatra (folk theatre) artist Nari Panda and drama troupe owner Ananta Narayan Dhal, as Panda today returned ₹10 lakh to the Balichandrapur police, which he had earlier taken as an advance for performing with Tulasi Gananatya.
According to sources, Nari Panda had accepted the amount from Dhal as part of an agreement to act in the troupe’s upcoming shows. However, the situation turned sour after Panda reportedly lodged a complaint against the troupe owner, accusing him of physical assault. This led to escalating tensions between the artist and the yatra organiser.
Following the complaint, the Balichandrapur police initiated an investigation, during which both parties were summoned. Today, Panda appeared before the police station and formally handed over the ₹10 lakh to the police. In a related development, the agreement paper signed by Panda was also returned by the troupe owner through the police.
Police officials have confirmed that the amount has been seized temporarily and will be returned to Ananta Narayan Dhal in the coming days. Interestingly, despite the handover, Dhal was not present at the police station during today’s proceedings.
