Police in Odisha have filed a case against BJP MLA Nabin Kumar Jain after he allegedly fired a pistol during a religious procession, sparking outrage and legal action.
In the Balangir district of Odisha, law enforcement authorities took decisive action against a high-profile legislator on Saturday. Police booked Nabin Kumar Jain, a BJP Member of the Legislative Assembly, for allegedly firing blanks from a licensed pistol. This incident occurred during the evening hours of a large religious gathering, where the MLA was participating in a celebratory march through the town.
The situation escalated rapidly after a video of the event surfaced on social media, showing the MLA discharging his weapon. According to police reports, the MLA fired three rounds from a 0.32 bore pistol while in a celebratory mood. The video clearly depicted the discharge of the weapon, prompting an immediate response from the district administration. The presence of hundreds of people, including many BJP supporters, in the procession highlighted the public nature of the event and the potential safety risks involved.
Upon learning of the incident, Balangir Superintendent of Police, Abilash G, immediately traveled to Titlagarh to oversee the investigation. The police confirmed that the MLA had fired the rounds in a festive atmosphere, yet the act was deemed dangerous. "We have registered a case under Section 125 of BNS and Section 25 of the Arms Act for possession of the firearm and rashly behaving in public," the SP stated. In addition to the registration of the case, the police immediately seized the weapon used in the incident.
The investigation also uncovered the role of the MLA's personal security officer (PSO). Police have summoned the PSO for allegedly assisting the legislator in operating the pistol. A senior police officer noted that the PSO's involvement was "clearly visible in the video," as he helped the MLA handle the gun. As a direct consequence of this discovery, the PSO was suspended from duty. The police emphasized that the assistance provided by the PSO constituted a serious breach of protocol, contributing to the overall charge of rash behavior in a public space.
Following the police action, Nabin Kumar Jain addressed the media, attempting to downplay the severity of the incident. Speaking to local reporters, he described the act as a playful moment rather than a threat. "Everybody was having fun and it was a toy pistol and not a firearm," the legislator claimed. This statement directly contradicted the police findings and the visual evidence captured in the video, which showed the discharge of a live-acting weapon. The MLA also reiterated his political standing, noting that he had defeated BJD's Tukuni Sahu, a two-time MLA, in the 2024 assembly election, underscoring his current position in the state's political landscape.
The incident has drawn significant attention to the conduct of public servants and the handling of firearms during public celebrations. The timing of the discharge during a crowded religious event, specifically the Ram Navami procession, raised concerns regarding public safety and the appropriate use of weapons by elected officials. The police action, involving the booking of the MLA and the suspension of his security personnel, signals a strict stance on the misuse of licensed weapons.
The legal framework applied in this case underscores the seriousness of the violation. Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 25 of the Arms Act form the basis of the charges. These sections address the possession of firearms and the reckless behavior that endangers public order. The seizure of the 0.32 bore pistol further solidifies the police's position that a real firearm was used, dispelling the claims made by the MLA regarding a "toy pistol."
The legal proceedings against the BJP MLA are set to intensify as the police rely on video evidence that contradicts the legislator's defense. The suspension of the Personal Security Officer serves as a critical precedent, indicating that assisting in the misuse of a firearm is a punishable offense. Given the political sensitivity of the case involving an elected representative and the specific timing during a major religious festival, the outcome may have broader implications for how public officials manage weapons during community events. The police have firmly established that the weapon was not a toy, and the subsequent legal actions will likely focus on the intent and impact of the discharge within a dense crowd.
Apr 4, 2026 09:51 UTC
Iran War Escalation: Bushehr Attack and Missing F-15 Crew Member
Join 50,000+ readers getting the global briefing every morning.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Apr 4, 2026 10:04 UTC
India Denies Payment Blockage as Iranian Crude Diversion Rumors Surface
Apr 4, 2026 09:51 UTC
Iran War Escalation: Bushehr Attack and Missing F-15 Crew Member
Apr 4, 2026 09:31 UTC
Seventh India-Flagged Vessel Clears Strait as 17 Ships Wait
Apr 4, 2026 08:37 UTC
AAP Chiefs Question Raghav Chadha's Loyalty Following RS Removal
