Probe ordered into video shooting at prohibited zone

With a purported video of three actors of Odia film industry and daughter of an Odisha minister at a restricted zone of Hirakud Dam going viral on social media, police has launched a probe into matter. Sambalpur Superintendent of Police Kanwar Vishal Singh has sought a report from Burla Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Sishu Ranjan Mohapatra in this connection.

purported video shot at restricted area showed actors Prakruti Mishra, Elina Samantray and Lovina Nayak enjoying with daughter of state Health Minister N K Das. Photography is strictly prohibited at restricted zone of Hirakud Dam.

As security of reservoir and dam across river Mahani is looked after by Odisha Industrial Security Force (OISF) since April 2018, in-charge of dam's security has also been asked to look into matter and check veracity of video. After obtaining ir report, action will be taken as per law, according to a press release issued by Sambalpur district police.

"An inquiry has been launched and all possible angles will be investigated," Mohapatra said. Hirakud reservoir formed after damming river Mahani near Sambalpur in Odisha in 1957 is one of earliest major multi-purpose river valley projects of country.