Bargarh: The district administration Tuesday suspended Hrusikesh Bhoi, a hearse driver at the district headquarters hospital here on charge of demanding bribe to transport the body of a deceased.
Bhoi, who is well-known for his portrayal of King Kansa’s character during the famous Dhanu Jatra in Bargarh, has been suspended by the district health department for allegedly demanding Rs3,000 from the deceased’s family to transport the body from Bargarh District Headquarters Hospital to Badasahajbahal village in Gaisilat block.
Following the allegation, Nirupama Sarangi, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Bargarh, lodged a complaint. A criminal case (322/24) under section 308(2) of BNS has been registered against Hrushikesh at the Bhatli police station.
The CDMO initially served a show cause notice to Bhoi and formed an inquiry committee following the approval of the District Collector. Bhoi was suspended on basis of the report of the committee, said Sarangi.
With the 10-day Dhanu Jatra festival set to begin January 3, people are eagerly waiting for the committee’s decision on whether Hrushikesh will be allowed to reprise his role as Kansa in what is considered the world’s biggest open-air theatre.
PTI