25 injured as Odisha MLA’s SUV ploughs into crowd

Nine police personnel among injured

Twenty-five people, including nine police personnel, sustained injuries on Saturday when an Odisha MLA, who was driving a sport utility vehicle (SUV), rammed into them in Banapur, Khordha district, 100 km from here.

The incident took place at around 11 a.m. when MLA Prashant Jagdev, who was previously suspended from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for slapping a Dalit BJP leader last year, forcibly tried to enter the premises of the Banapur block office.

The block office had been cordoned off by the police, as elections for the post of block chairperson were being held on the premises. People had gathered outside the office for the election result.

Mr. Jagdev represents the Chilika Assembly constituency. His vehicle was stopped at the gate by the police. However, the MLA — who was reportedly in an inebriated condition — disregarded instructions and tried to mow people down. The inspector in charge of Banapur police station was also not spared. Eyewitnesses said the police inspector was the first to be hit by the SUV.

As many as 16 civilians, including seven women, and nine police personnel sustained injuries, said the police. The injured have been admitted to different hospitals.

Later, enraged people dragged Mr. Jagdev from the driver’s seat and thrashed him. The police had to rescue him from the clutches of the people.

The MLA is said to be in a critical condition. His SUV was also damaged.