Odisha BJP MLA lands in soup for celebratory firing at Ram Navami procession

Police in Odisha have registered a case against BJP MLA Nabin Kumar Jain for allegedly firing shots into the air during a Ram Navami procession in Titlagarh town of Bolangir district, officials said.

The incident occurred on Friday evening when hundreds of devotees, including women, children and elderly people, had gathered to participate in the religious procession. A video that surfaced on social media purportedly showed the legislator taking a pistol and firing into the air while moving with the rally, raising concerns about public safety.

Police said the shots were fired using a licensed weapon , and preliminary reports suggested that blank rounds were discharged during the procession. The firearm has been seized and a case registered at Titlagarh police station under Section 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for endangering public safety along with Section 25 of the Arms Act .

Investigators said the firing allegedly took place at multiple points during the procession, including near Shastri Chowk and Old Bank Chowk in Titlagarh. The visuals also showed the MLA’s personal security officer handing him the weapon before the shot was fired.

Following the controversy, Jain’s personal security officer Premachand Nag was suspended for alleged negligence of duty, and departmental proceedings were initiated against him.

Jain, 59, was elected to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from the Titlagarh constituency in 2024 , defeating senior BJD leader and former minister Tukuni Sahu.

The opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) strongly criticised the incident and demanded the immediate arrest of the MLA, accusing him of violating the law and endangering public safety during a crowded public event.

Under the Arms Act, reckless celebratory gunfire that endangers lives can attract punishment of up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to ₹1 lakh. Police said the matter is under investigation.