Bhubaneswar, April 13 -- Allegations of fraud have emerged from Odisha's Bhadrak district after a Jatra troupe allegedly failed to perform despite receiving an advance payment of Rs 9 lakh. The incident, reported from Chandbali, has triggered protests by members of the Basanti Durga Puja Committee.

The complaint has been filed against Ananta Kumar Dhal, also known as Nandu Babu, the owner of the Jatra troupe 'Ashok Samrat.' Committee members alleged that the troupe neither turned up for the scheduled performances during the Basanti Durga Puja nor returned the advance amount. The performances were scheduled to be held from March 28 to 31.

According to the complaint, the advance payment was made for a Jatra show at Tentulidihi village und...