Odisha: BJP leader booked for misbehaving with police

Sambalpur (Odisha), Feb 4: A case was registered against BJP leader Jayanarayana Mishra for allegedly misbehaving with a police officer during the visit of Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bhartai to Hirakud Dam in Sambalpur district on Feb 3.

In a complaint Inspector in-charge of Burla police station Tophan Bag alleged that Mishra had abused him when he stopped the leader's vehicle from entering through the Dam.

"I was instructed not to allow more vehicles through the dam for security reasons. The vehicle of Union Minister Uma Bharti and officials of concerned department passed through the it," he said.

Mishra's vehicle had appeared after some time and did not have the permission to pass through the dam. It was, therefore, stopped, the police inspector said, adding he was only doing his duty.

Mishra, he said, came out of the vehicle, abused him and then tried to assault him. Other BJP leaders who were present at the spot stopped him.

He further alleged that some supporters of Mishra forcibly entered through the gate and passed through the dam.

Mishra has, however, denied the allegation and claimed that it was the police officer who misbehaved.

"Earlier, I had called on the Union Minister and she told me to accompany her. I was in a vehicle that I was asked to board. However, the Inspector in-charge of Burla police station stopped our vehicle. When I asked for reason, he started misbehaving. I never abused the inspector," said Mishra.

Superintendent of Police (Sambalpur) Akhilesvar Singh said a case has been registered in this connection and investigation is in progress.

PTI