Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, June 27: Mahila police Monday served notices on six accused against whom a cine actress had levelled casting couch charge Sunday.
Sharmishtha Priyadarshani (25), an Oriya film star, had lodged a complaint with the police alleging the producers and directors had asked for sexual favour to give her work in Oriya film industry.
The notices were issued to directors Chandi Parija and Tapas Sargharia, producer Bini Samal, her husband Nihar Samal, producer Subrat Naik and event manager Bapi Jena.
Sharmishtha’s statement was recorded under Section 161 of CrPC with Mahila police Monday.
Meanwhile, Chandi Parija, Bini Samal and Nihar Samal held a press conference at Keshari Hotel Monday denouncing charges levelled by Sharmistha and said she was acting out of grudge. “We paid `4 lakh as part of a project to her but later she refused to do it and when we wanted our money back, she went out and lodged the complaint,” producer Bini Samal told the media.
Chandi Parija said, “Casting is not done by a producer or director for TV serials. It’s done by the channels. When a director is not involved in it, how can we be held responsible for it?”
Bini Samal said around 300 artistes work under her production house, Urmi Communication, but no one has ever complained against her. Sharmishtha said the producers have not yet paid her for serial Badhu. “They are trying to divert the issue,” she added.
