Police arrested nine persons from two separate places in Ganjam district on Wednesday night while they were preparing to perform Danda Nacha, a religious folk dance, thereby violating the COVID-19 social distancing norms.
Despite restrictions by the district administration, some Danduas (participants of the Danda Nacha) of Palakasandha village under the Gangapur police limits gathered in front of a temple and conducted a Puja.
Acting on a tipoff, a police team headed by the local DSP raided the area and picked up five Danduas while another accused managed to escape. A case in this connection was later registered.
Besides, the Gangapur police conducted another raid at Balibhaga village under Natenga panchayat and arrested four persons while they were preparing for Danda Nacha. The cops also registered a case in this regard.
Notably, the Danda Nacha is one of the most ancient traditional forms of worship in Ganjam district performed at the advent of summer. Dandua troupes move from village to village to perform the dance which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali.
