By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, April 23, 2018: Odia actress Usasi Misra on Monday alleged that she was physically assaulted by three persons while on her way to perform in a jatra (opera) show at Derang in Angul district on Sunday night.

In a complaint filed at the Kanhia police station on Monday, Usasi named one Indramani Sahu and his two sons of assaulting her just as she was ascending the stage for performance organised by the Eastern Blue Opera.

The accused also damaged her vehicle, she alleged.

“I shudder to think how the three men were on top of me and trying to rip off my cloth. The entire thing happened between11.45 and midnight. Strict action should be taken against the attackers. I was able to save myself just because I know Taekwondo or I could have been killed,” Usasi said.

In a social media post soon after the incident, the actress described her plight and how she fought back to save herself. The post, Usasi wrote that she was “manhandled” “molested” and “badmouthed.”

Pointing out at the sheer negligence of the jatra committee and management, Usasi raised questions about the safety of general women when a media figure like her had to undergo such ordeal.

“They tried to rip my clothes. I gave a good fight and saved myself,” her post read.

Confirming the reports, Kanhia officer in-charge Sukanti Kerkata said, “We have received the complaint and a probe has been initiated into the incident.”

Pallahara sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Yashwant Samal informed that soon after the actress reached the venue for the show, there was jostle among villagers and someone from the crowd suddenly hit her.

“Upon being hit, Usasi got infuriated and slapped a person. This triggered tension and the villagers did not allow the theatre show to be performed. Later police reached the spot and pacified the crowd,” Samal added.