Nabin Jain, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA, was charged with allegedly indulging in celebratory gunfire during a Ram Navami procession in Odisha’s Titlagarh town on Friday, according to police. On Saturday, videos of the incident were widely shared online, and he was charged under Section 125 (acts endangering public safety) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as well as Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act, which deal with the punishment for illegal possession, manufacture, or use of firearms.
Jain had previously described the incident as a “playful” performance designed to energize the audience of supporters, stating that the handgun used was a toy gun. However, authorities eventually determined that the pistol was legally licensed and registered in his name. According to Bolangir Superintendent of Police (SP) Abilash G, the shooting occurred on Friday evening, as a massive Ram Navami procession passed through Titlagarh town.
“Hundreds of devotees and supporters had gathered for the procession, which began at the Radha Krishna Temple and passed through key junctions, including Shastri Chowk and Old Bank Chowk,” the official said. Eyewitnesses reported that during the celebrations, Jain allegedly shot three rounds into the air at various places along the path.
Police claimed a sub-inspector on law-and-order duty during the parade filed a complaint after seeing the videos. The footage circulating on social media showed Jain raising a flag before grabbing a weapon from his personal security guard, Premachand Nag, and firing into the air. He was later seen returning the weapon to Nag.
Nag was suspended for apparent dereliction of duty, according to police officials, and he has been summoned for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. Celebratory gunfire is forbidden under the Arms Act because it endangers public safety, according to authorities.
