Bhubaneswar, June 27: A case was registered under several sections of the Indian Penal Code against comedian Pappu Pom Pom and his associate at Mahila police station this evening.

Pappu aka Tatwa Prakash Satpathy was charged with sexual harassment and under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act based on the complaint of Child Welfare Committee member Nirupama Rath.

Pappu, who is under the crime branch scanner for his involvement with Ponzi firm Oscar group, is alleged to have molested a 16-year-old girl last year to lure her into the film industry. A social organisation moved the police on Saturday, seeking action against the actor, who had unsuccessfully contested from Champua constituency on a BJD ticket in the 2014 general elections.

Committee member Benudhar Senapati said the welfare body had directed the police to register the case after finding prima facie evidence against the actor. "One of our members today verified the minor's allegations and found prima facie evidence of sexual harassment. We have asked the police to provide security to the victim and her family members," said Senapati.

The committee, which functions under the state women and child development department, deals with matters concerning children in need of protection and care. The minor alleged that Pappu and his associate Pradipta Kumar Swain had harassed her and tried to lure her by offering a role in Odia film. The girl had accused the actor of touching her inappropriately while in a moving car.

In the second incident, the production house against which television actress Sarmistha Priyadarshini, 25, brought allegations of casting couch yesterday, today denied the charges. She had complained to Mahila police against directors Tapas Sargaria and Chandi Parija, event manager Bapi Jena, producer Subrat Naik, husband-wife duo and tele-serial producers Nihar Samal and Bini Samal. The police have also registered a case under several sections of the Indian Penal Code.

On the other hand, Bini today accused the actress of duping her of Rs 4 lakh. "She had joined the production house in August 2014 and took Rs 2 lakh as advance. After she left the production house in December last, three days of shooting was affected for which we had to incur a loss of another Rs 2 lakh. Why was she silent for six months after leaving the production house? She owes us money. She has lodged the complaint because she doesn't want to repay us. She used to abuse her co-artistes on the sets," alleged Bini. However, the police today issued notices to the six accused to appear before them for further investigation.

In another development, the Odisha Film Directors' Associationsaid the industry should not be blamed for misdemeanours of a few irresponsible persons.