Since its inauguration less than a year ago, the circuit house in Rourkela, Odisha, has been embroiled in controversies. A recent incident involving an adult film star has reignited scrutiny after she made claims of receiving preferential treatment during her visit.
Nearly one month after police arrested seven individuals and confiscated weapons from the facility, a video surfaced featuring the actress discussing her experience at the state-run establishment. This has prompted local authorities to initiate an inquiry.
According to police sources, at least three individuals, including the son of a retired officer of the rank of Superintendent of Police, were interviewed regarding the arrangements made for the actor’s accommodation on December 1 of last year. After questioning, these individuals were released.
A police official stated, “The investigation is ongoing. We are looking into how the booking occurred, who facilitated it, and if proper procedures were adhered to.”
In the approximately five-minute long video, which has garnered significant attention, the actress, who boasts over 300,000 followers on Instagram, shares her travel experience from Jharsuguda airport to the Rourkela Circuit House. She mentions, “The owner/CEO of the company is coming himself to receive me in his Audi,” although she does not disclose the identity of the person she refers to.
Additionally, the inquiry has uncovered that a local travel agent provided a luxury vehicle at the request of a senior executive from a private company in Rourkela for the actress’s transport. While she claimed in the video that her trip was for a significant shooting project, police are currently verifying these assertions.
As the actress gestures towards the circuit house, she states, “As you can see, I am going to stay at the circuit house. I used to hold a government position but have never received such treatment. Only high-ranking officials can stay here… The individuals who invited me are not insignificant.” She further added, “I have a meeting with the SP and his son. I am here for a project. I won’t disclose more…”
Efforts to contact Rourkela Superintendent of Police Nitesh Wadhwani for a comment were unsuccessful.
The circuit house is designated for use by senior government officials, ministers, MLAs, accredited journalists, and other dignitaries, subject to proper authorization.
Last month, the circuit house faced scrutiny after police conducted a raid that resulted in the arrest of seven individuals with firearms. Among those apprehended was Prakash Paswan, a youth BJP leader and representative of Union tribal affairs minister Jual Oram, who was arrested in Bihar for allegedly harboring armed criminals at the government facility. Following the incident, he was suspended from the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The newly constructed circuit house was inaugurated in November of the previous year by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Police officials have requested a comprehensive report from the Panposh sub-collector’s office regarding the accommodation booking protocols, details of recent guests, and other pertinent information to further their investigation.
When reached for comment, Panposh sub-collector Chandra Kanta Mallick stated he had no knowledge of any actor or film star staying at the circuit house.
DIG of the western range in Rourkela, Brijesh Rai, informed The Indian Express, “We have questioned several individuals concerning this matter. The investigation is ongoing, and we are trying to ascertain the circumstances surrounding her accommodation in the circuit house and whether proper procedures were followed for the booking. We aim to gather these details first.”
As of now, no formal case has been registered by the police in relation to this incident.
