An award-winning weaver from western Orissa who had supplied a pata saree for Aishwarya Rai’s wedding to Abhisekh Bacchhan in Mumbai recently has found himself in the midst of a controversy.
This has been caused in the event of another award-winning designer from the area charging him of “stealing” his creation and printing it on Rai’s wedding saree.
The local police in western Bolangir district have registered a case against weaver Chaturbhuja Meher, under various sections of the Indian Panel Code (IPC) and the Copy Right Violation Act
The local police have also begun an investigation into the Padmasree award winner, while responding to an order from a local court.
Weaver in trouble
“We have registered an FIR and the matter is being investigated as per the court’s order.
The weaver is facing serious charges and he may be arrested if we get evidence against him,” the Bolangir Superintendent of Police (SP), Himanshu Lal told Deccan Herald.
“Stolen” design
Designer Kailash Chandra Meher, who has moved the court against Chaturbhuja Meher, says his family and he had received several awards, including an award from the UNESCO and a presidential medal, for their design — “the tree of life”.
However, this design was “stolen” and printed by Chaturbhuja on the saree supplied for Ms Rai’s wedding.
However,  Mr Chaturbhuja Meher has denied the charge.
“The design used in my saree was different. I have not yet received any notice from the police.
“I will speak in detail on the matter after receiving the notice from the police,” the weaver has been quoted as saying in a local daily.