Odisha MLA's Vehicle Runs Over Crowd, 22 Including 7 Policemen Injured

Khurda: At least 22 people including seven police personnel were seriously injured when suspended BJD MLA Prasant Jagdev's vehicle allegedly ran over them at Banapur in Khurda district in Odisha.

The incident occurred at around 11.40 AM today.

As per reports, the accused MLA who was on the wheel mowed down a section of the crowd which had gathered outside the Block Development Office at Banpur while the election for the block chairperson was underway.

People were left stunned at Jagdev's reckless driving at the crowded spot. The assembly of people turned into a frenzied mob and roughed up the MLA.

Meanwhile, the Chilika MLA Jagdev was also critically injured and was rushed to a hospital in Bhubaneswar. The agitated people believed that he was driving under the influence of alcohol.

As tension is running high in the area, armed police reinforcements have rushed to the spot. The situation is tense but under control, police said.

The injured policemen, including Banapur police station inspector RR Sahu, were seriously injured.

"Around 15 BJP workers and seven police personnel were injured. A probe has been initiated," a senior police officer said.

There was a crowd of around 500 people in front of the block office when Jagdev drove his vehicle into the crowd injuring several people including policemen, he said.

The MLA was treated at Tangi hospital and later taken to Bhubaneswar, Khurda SP Alekh Chandra Pahi said.

Notably, Jagdev was suspended last year for anti-party activities. The unsavoury act on part of Jagdev, who was seen canvassing for BJD candidates in recently concluded gram panchayat polls despite being suspended from the party, has put the ruling BJD in quandary in view of the upcoming urban local body polls.

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