Odisha BJP MLA fires rounds in the air from his personal security officer’s gun

Odisha Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Nabin Kumar Jain allegedly fired gunshots in the air, reportedly as part of celebratory firing on the occasion of Ram Navami.

A large crowd had gathered in the western town of Titlagarh for the festivities when Mr. Jain is said to have ‘taken’ a pistol from his personal security officer (PSO) and discharged several rounds.

A Ram Navami procession was taken out from the Radha Krishna Temple in Titlagarh. People of all age-groups, including children dressed up as Lord Ram, Lakshman, Sita and Hanuman, moved in the procession that covered different parts of Titlagarh.

While some in the crowd did not hear the gunshots, others were left shocked by the incident. Balangir Superintendent of Police have sought a report from the PSO.

The Biju Janta Dal (BJD) took strong exceptions to the alleged firing by a sitting BJP MLA. Addressing a press conference here, senior BJD leader and Titlagarh MLA Tukuni Sahu strongly criticised the State government over the deteriorating law and order situation.

‘Such acts from him are not new’

“On the sacred occasion of Ram Navami on Friday, a procession was being held in Titlagarh. During this procession, crossing all limits of lawlessness, Titlagarh MLA Nabin Jain allegedly took out a firearm and fired shots in the air in public,” the former Minister said.

“The Titlagarh MLA, as a people’s representative, firing shots in public in a peaceful place like Titlagarh is a serious crime,” Ms. Sahu said, demanding immediate arrest of Mr. Jain.

“[Involving in] such incidents are not new for him. Earlier, during a Holi procession, he had allegedly pushed a worker from a moving auto-rickshaw while under the influence of alcohol, resulting in the worker’s immediate death. However, no action was taken at that time as he belongs to the ruling party,” Ms. Sahu alleged.

Mr. Jain, however, dismissed the allegation of violation of law endangering people’s safety, saying that it was a toy gun in his hand. Police sources said the MLA’s personal security officer had been issued a show-cause notice.