Jatra Controversy / Chairs, Bottles Hurled at Jatra Stage After Audience Objects to Scene Depicting Forced Beef Consumption

Kataka, Sep 18: Tension erupted during a jatra performance at Nuapatna village in Kataka district after some spectators reportedly objected to a scene depicting a Hindu woman married into a Muslim family being forced to eat beef and assaulted.

The incident took place during the first-night performance of Yajnaseni opera’s play ‘Sanatani’ at Nuapatna under the Tigiria police station limits on Thursday night.

Actress Tamasa, co-artist Sandeep -- in a negative role -- and other artistes were performing when the particular scene reportedly upset some members of the audience.

Spectators Throw Chairs, Bottles At Stage
According to a source, the scene showed a Hindu girl who had married into a Muslim family being allegedly made to eat beef and assaulted. Some spectators reportedly objected to the depiction and began protesting during the performance.

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The situation escalated as chairs and water bottles were thrown towards the stage. The disturbance disrupted the performance and created tension at the venue, the source added.

The incident comes amid a wider debate over scenes in jatra performances that some audiences consider objectionable or controversial. In recent instances, spectators have protested during performances over the portrayal of certain subjects or scenes.

Neither the jatra committee nor the artistes associated with Opera Yajnaseni have so far issued an official statement on the incident.

No response was available from the local police regarding the reported disturbance at the time of filing this report.