SDM Removed, Three Policemen Suspended After Dancers Perform Obscene Acts on Stage in Chhattisgarh

Raipur, Chhattisgarh: A six-day orchestra program in Urmal, Gariaband district, turned controversial after dancers performed semi-nude acts on stage, pushing the limits of public decency. Shockingly, law enforcement officials, including SDM Tulsi Das Markam, were reportedly present and involved in the incident.

The event, organized by the local youth committee, featured bar dancers from Odisha who performed obscene dances, exposing themselves on stage. SDM Markam had granted permission for the program and was reportedly seated in a special reserved area, while other police personnel allegedly engaged in inappropriate behavior, including giving kisses to the dancers and handling cash.

Following the viral circulation of videos from the program, Gariaband Collector Bhawani Singh Uike removed SDM Markam from his post and constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the incident. SP Vedvrat Sirmaurya suspended three policemen—Head Constable Dilochan Rawate, Constable Shubham Chauhan, and Constable Jai Kansari—for engaging in inappropriate conduct with the dancers.

The Child Protection Commission has directed a swift investigation to determine if minors were present at the event, with a report required within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, 14 members of the organizing committee have been arrested, including Devendra Rajput (31), Govind Devangan (21), Narendra Sahu (38), Hasan Khan (53), Hardayal Nagesh (50), Mukesh Agrawal (40), Lal Krishna Kashyap (27), Rajesh Kashyap (36), Sachin Kashyap (24), Liladhar Sahu (50), Lalit Kaushik (38), Vikas Yadav (32), Jambudhar (40), and Umesh Yadav (25).

The controversy first came to light after a local youth filed a complaint against the organizers for promoting obscenity. Previously, some accused organizers were booked and released on bail. The Odisha-based “Jay Durga Opera” dancers were hired for the program held on January 8–10, with entry tickets priced between ₹200–400 and a daily fee of ₹60,000 for the dancers.