Dushmant and Priti (file picture)

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 26: The Priti Mohanty-Dushmant Panda controversy took another twist with the girl today staging a dharna outside the actor’s Bomikhal residence.

Priti alleged that Dushmant had cheated her after a two-year-long relationship and was all set to marry actress Kajal Mishra.

Priti, who is employed with a private company, arrived at Mahila police station this morning, along with some friends, and staged a sit-in, demanding arrest of the actor against whom she had lodged the complaint on Thursday. However, dissatisfied with the police action, she launched a dharna outside Dushmant’s residence in the evening.

Priti alleged that Mahila police, instead of taking action against Dushmant and his family members, named in the FIR, had told her that the actor was absconding. “They tried to fob me off saying that the matter was being investigated and the actor was absconding. But tomorrow is Dushmant’s marriage with Kajal and the police are trying to help him,” she said.

Priti also visited the police commissioner’s office in a bid to seek his help. As the commissioner was not present in the office, she left her written complaint with the police grievance cell there.

She alleged that the police were trying to help Dushmant, as Kajal, whom he was set to marry tomorrow according to Hindu rituals, had good relations with the higher-ups in the police department.

“I want Dushmant to be arrested as soon as possible. If the police are saying that he is absconding, why are they not arresting his parents, who are in his house and are the co-accused of the case,” she said, adding that she would not allow the marriage between Dushmant and Kajal to be held at any cost. “I will kill myself if their marriage is held tomorrow as scheduled,” she said.

One of her friends, who accompanied her to Mahila police station today, claimed to have seen Dushmant and Priti together several times in the past. “We knew them as a couple. Dushmant used to come to meet her in our office,” said the friend, who did not want to be named.

In another development, Dushmant, who was not at home when Priti was staging dharna outside his house, said the marriage would be held as per schedule. “I have information that she is staging a dharna in front of my house. I am seeking police help to evict her from there,” said the actor, adding that he was gathering proof against Priti and would take legal action against her at the right time.

Mahila police said they had registered a case against Dushmant following a complaint from Priti on Friday. “We have also registered a case against Priti after Kajal lodged a complaint against her yesterday alleging that the former has been sending threatening messages to her, Dushmant and their family members,” said an officer of Mahila police station. “We are inquiring into both the cases,” the officer said.