Balangir, May 28: Four girls were arrested for performing obscene dance during the Sital Sasthi festival here.

It is alleged that the girls were semi-clad and performing with obscene gestures during a procession organised to mark the conclusion of the festival. Police said the girls had danced to the tune of vulgar songs and lewd music.

The police have also registered cases against the president and the secretary of the Abasara Binodana Sahiyta Samiti Sital Sasthi Committee for encouraging such performances during the festival. The cops, however, have not arrested the organisers.

Inspector in charge of Balangir town police station Srimanta Barik said the police had a close watch on the procession and the festival.

“We arrested the dancers as we found it amount to obscene act. We have registered a case under Section 294 (obscene act and songs) and Section 109 of the Indian Penal Code. We have released them on bail,” Barik said.

About four years ago, Balangir police took initiative to stop vulgar acts during the festival.