A shocking case of alleged obscenity has surfaced from Gariaband district of Chhattisgarh, where a dance programme meant for entertainment turned into a major controversy. Videos from an orchestra event in Urmal village are going viral on social media, showing semi-naked dance performances, money being showered on dancers, and senior officials allegedly enjoying the show. Following the social media outrage, SDM has been suspended from his post.
The incident took place during a six-day orchestra programme organised by a local youth committee. The event was officially permitted by the district administration. What has raised serious questions is the presence of Mainpur SDM Tulsi Das Markam at the venue during the performances.
According to the viral videos, the dancers performed in a semi-nude condition late at night. Influential people sitting in the front rows were seen throwing money on the dancers. In one video, the SDM himself is allegedly seen recording the dance on his mobile phone and showering money.
After the videos came to light, the administration acted quickly. SDM Tulsi Das Markam has been removed from his post and attached to the Collectorate. Gariaband Collector Bhagwan Singh Uike confirmed that an official inquiry committee has been formed. The inquiry report will be sent to the Commissioner for further action.
The controversy has also brought the police department under scrutiny. In separate viral clips, two policemen were seen kissing orchestra dancers and openly participating in the celebrations. SP Vedvrat Sirmour took immediate action and line-attached both constables, Jai Kumar Kansari and Shubham Chauhan, who were posted at Devbhog police station.
The orchestra was organised by inviting dancers from Jai Durga Opera, Cuttack (Odisha). The programme was held on January 8, 9 and 10, with heavy publicity done across the area. Reports say the organisers paid ₹1.20 lakh per day for the event, while additional bar dancers were hired for vulgar performances at ₹60,000 per day. Entry tickets were priced between ₹200 and ₹400.
On January 8, a huge crowd gathered at the pandal. On January 9, the SDM attended the programme and was given reserved front-row seating. Obscene dancing reportedly continued from 11 PM to 3 AM, making the situation uncontrollable. Officers, police personnel, public representatives and villagers were all present. Many were seen behaving indecently and calling dancers close to them.
The presence of the SDM, who represents the administration in the area, has made the issue even more serious. People say that the officer who was supposed to maintain order instead helped in destroying it. In the same way, police personnel, who are meant to protect the public, were seen behaving indecently with dancers. This has raised questions about the entire system.
After a local youth filed a complaint, Devbhog police registered a case on January 10 under BNS Section 296 (3)(5) against the organisers. The accused were arrested and later released on bail. Although permission was granted till January 10, the event was stopped immediately after the matter surfaced.
Now, there is growing public demand for strict action not only against the organisers but also against the SDM and other officials involved. The case has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about misuse of authority and lack of accountability at public events.
This case shows a hard truth — when those who are meant to enforce the law start breaking it, ordinary people lose faith in justice. Now, the issue is not just about transfers or temporary action. There is a strong demand for strict and fair punishment so that public trust in the system is not lost.
