Chowdwar, Ap 30: Large LED screens installed across various public spaces under the Chowdwar Municipality to promote government schemes and programs have recently displayed cartoon and controversial video clips instead of official content, triggering widespread public outrage.

Local authorities had spent nearly ₹2 crore installing 13 LED screens at multiple locations, though some screens had already become non-functional. The incident came to light when a screen at Gandhi Chhaka was showing clips of a popular film star and cartoons, instead of government programs, surprising and upsetting citizens.

Attempts to contact municipal engineer Soumya Ranjan Mishra for clarification were unsuccessful. Municipal Chairperson Manasi Swarnaprabha Samal stated that she had no information about the incident but would notify the relevant departmental officials.

The LED screens are centrally controlled from Cuttack. While discussions suggest the screens may have been hacked, residents are demanding a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause and prevent future misuse.