BJD Leader Pritiranjan Gharai Booked for Instigating Protest in Jaipur
Gharai and several BJD workers joined the protest, during which inflammatory speeches were allegedly made, triggering tensions and public disorder
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against former minister and senior BJD leader Pritiranjan Gharai, along with 20 others, for allegedly instigating a protest that disrupted law and order in the Kalinga Nagar Industrial Estate area of Jajpur district.
The FIR, filed suo motu on Monday evening by the Kalinga Nagar police, stems from a road blockade staged on July 27 near Khurunti Chhak following a fatal road accident. Locals, angered by the death, staged a prolonged demonstration demanding justice and compensation.
According to police sources, Gharai and several BJD workers joined the protest, during which inflammatory speeches were allegedly made, triggering tensions and public disorder. The situation reportedly spiraled out of control, prompting the police to initiate legal action.
The 21 individuals, including Gharai, have been booked under 11 legal provisions, including sections related to unlawful assembly, provocation with intent to cause a riot, obstruction of public movement, and violations under the Criminal Law Amendment Act.
While police have not officially revealed the exact sections invoked, officials confirmed that the charges involve serious disruptions to public order.
The move to file an FIR against a prominent ruling party leader is likely to stir political ripples in the state, especially at a time when the BJD is already under scrutiny. Earlier this week, Bhubaneswar BJD corporator Amaresh Jena was also arrested in an alleged rape case.
Neither Gharai nor the BJD has issued a formal response to the latest development.
Police officials said the action was based on video evidence and ground reports from the protest site. The investigation is ongoing, and further legal steps may follow as more evidence emerges.