Bhubaneswar, April 7: A drama staged at Rabindra Mandap on Monday highlighted the ongoing money deposit collection scams in the state.

Performed by artistes of a cultural association run by directorate of health services' employees, the play received immense appreciation from viewers for the performance as well as the theme.

Titled Jahaheba Dekhajiba, the plot of the play revolved around a middle class Pradhan family of an imaginary village called Madhupur.

The eldest son Satya is advised by wife Seema to become a collection agent.

However, when the owner of the company fails to repay the customers, Satya, along with Seema's former lover Raj, murder the owner.

To get rid of people's loans, Satya then acts dead and gets insurance funds.

However, meanwhile, since he is dead for the public, Seema and Raj go around together spending the insurance funds lavishly.

The story was a reflection of the present situation in Odisha where a number of deposit collection companies, which failed to return money to the people, are under the scanner of authorities.

It was written by Nihar Mohanty while Lala Biren Ray was the director. Actors Ilu Banerjee, Barendranath Sahu, Sarada Prasad Barik earned huge applause for their performance.

"Theatre and dramas are expected to showcase the reality of the society because they also have an impact on the viewers and the authorities. Though this play was not the most sophisticatedly presented act, it still was a great effort on their part to work on something that is a major cause for concern for many people," said Biswaranjan Rout, a viewer.

Organisers were glad to have received such a positive response from the audience.

"We tried to present a play that people can relate to and this theme is right now on everyone's mind. Our team is delighted to have received such great reviews," said director Ray.

Officials of health ministry and department of the state also watched the play.