Ranchi, Feb. 9: The controversy over Padma Shri to Chhau exponent Shyama Charan Pati deepened, as over 200 Chhau artistes from Jharkhand and Orissa assembled at Seraikela today and denounced strongly the government?s move to honour Pati.

They demanded an inquiry on how he allegedly managed to get the award without a state government recommendation.

The artistes, who gathered under the aegis of Seraikela Chhau Artistes Association (SCAA), will submit a memorandum to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, requesting him to withdraw the award. Terming it ?a big Padma Shri fraud? with the traditional art form, they will meet chief minister Arjun Munda on February 15 in this regard.

Jharkhand culture secretary N.N. Sinha made it clear Pati?s name was not recommended by his department.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Munda said he does not want to be dragged into any controversy. ?I do not want to say much on the issue, which is a socio-political one,? he said adding he had no idea how his name figured among Padma Shri recipients.

Pati was not available for comments. An address of his refers to Icha village (district Seraikela-Kharsawan) but the two phone numbers, both of Rourkela code (0661) are either going on ringing, or the persons picking up are denying anyone by that name or related to Chhau live there.