Bhubaneswar: The vehicle of a suspended MLA from Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party rushed to a rally of BJP workers. Twenty-four people, including a police officer, were injured. The incident took place in Khurda district on Saturday morning, police said. MLA Prashant Jagdev, who was driving the vehicle, was beaten by activists after the accident.
Police said Jagdev MLA had reached the spot while about 200 BJP workers were marching in front of the Bhanpur panchayat building near Chilka Lake. The IG said the MLA was stopped by police and party workers as he tried to pull the vehicle closer to the building, but the MLA was pushing the vehicle forward on the accelerator.
He was suspended from the BJD last year after the BJP beat up a Dalit leader. Of the 24 injured, five, including a police inspector, are in critical condition. The IG also said that the MLA was assaulted by activists after the accident.
Neighbor Arun Kumar Nayak alleged that the 52-year-old MLA was driving under the influence of alcohol. In addition to beating the MLA, the car involved in the accident was set on fire by activists. The injured MLA was rushed to hospital.
English Summary: 5 critical as Odisha MLA ploughs SUV into BJP procession