By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Titlagarh (Titilagarh) BJP MLA Nabin Kumar Jain from Balangir district, Odisha, was caught on video firing shots into the air during a Ram Navami procession on March 28, 2026 (Friday). The incident happened in a crowded public setting in Titilagarh, with hundreds of devotees (including women, children, and elderly) present.
Videos show Jain taking a pistol from his Personal Security Officer (PSO), firing blank rounds (celebratory firing) into the air at spots like Shastri Chowk and near Old Bank Chowk, then handing it back or tucking it away. He was waving a flag just before. The PSO reportedly assisted in the moment. The weapon was a licensed pistol registered in Jain’s name (some early reports mentioned PSO’s gun, but police confirmed it was the MLA’s licensed one). A video quickly went viral, sparking outrage over public safety risks in a dense crowd.
Jain defended it as “blank firing” with a toy gun to “encourage” or “boost the spirit” of Ram Bhakts (devotees), not to terrorize anyone. Police, however, seized the real licensed weapon and contradicted the toy gun claim.
Police Action So Far
A case was registered against the MLA under: Section 125 of Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (rash or negligent act endangering human life or personal safety).Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act (related to possession/use of arms in a prohibited/reckless manner).
The weapon has been seized.
The PSO (identified as Premchand Nag in some reports) was issued a show-cause notice, and later suspended after preliminary probe. Police are examining the PSO’s role in handing over the gun and assisting.
Bolangir SP Abilash G confirmed the case and investigation; the SP’s office sought a report from the PSO.
As of the latest reports (March 29, 2026 morning/afternoon), no arrest or further direct action (like chargesheeting or suspension) against the MLA himself has been publicly announced. The probe is ongoing.
Why “No Action Yet” Against the MLA?
This is fresh (incident on March 28; videos viral on March 28-29). Indian police procedures typically involve:
Initial FIR/case registration (done).Seizure of evidence (weapon seized).
Preliminary inquiry/show-cause to involved parties (PSO suspended). Full investigation, witness statements, forensic/ballistic checks if needed, then deciding on arrest or chargesheet.
Celebratory firing (even blanks) in public is illegal and dangerous under the Arms Act — it can carry up to 2 years imprisonment or fine up to ₹1 lakh — because of risks of injury, panic, or accidental harm in crowds. MLAs don’t have immunity for such acts. Opposition parties (especially BJD) have strongly criticized it, demanding the MLA’s arrest, dismissal, and highlighting it as a “law and order breakdown” under the ruling BJP in Odisha. They called it a serious crime by a public representative.
Reasons for the delay in stronger action could include:
Standard procedural timeline (investigation needs to be documented).Political sensitivities (ruling party MLA in a BJP-led Odisha government).Need to verify details (e.g., exact nature of firing, intent, crowd risk).
Similar past celebratory firing cases by politicians or others have sometimes seen slow or lenient follow-up, especially if no injuries occurred, but public video evidence + Arms Act violations usually lead to eventual action. Police have emphasized they are probing thoroughly.
Broader Context
Ram Navami processions in Odisha (and elsewhere) saw other issues too, like reckless bike rallies without helmets. This specific incident stands out due to the MLA’s involvement and the “filmy-style” dramatic firing. Public and opposition outrage is high, with calls for accountability to set a precedent — lawmakers shouldn’t flout laws they help make.The situation is developing quickly.
