Bhubaneswar: A collision in Bhubaneswar involving an SUV belonging to Baripada MLA Prakash Soren has triggered a controversy amid allegations that the vehicle carried liquor and ganja.
The mishap reportedly took place near NALCO Square late on Monday when the MLA’s black Scorpio SUV rammed into the rear of a stationary Innova MUV. Four persons sustained injuries in the accident, police said.
The SUV was reportedly carrying the MLA’s son, a driver, and another passenger, while the MUV had only the driver inside when the incident took place.
All the injured were rushed to the Kalinga Hospital for treatment by a team from Maitree Vihar police. The legislator’s son reportedly suffered facial injuries while the driver suffered injuries to his leg. The collision led to a traffic snarl in the area.
Eyewitnesses claimed the SUV lost control before the collision. The incident sparked a row when some locals alleged that bottles of liquor and packets of cannabis were found inside the SUV.
However, MLA Prakash Soren denied the allegations and said his son, who does not drink, and his friend were in the vehicle, and claims about liquor and ganja are false.
Police have seized both vehicles and launched an investigation. Officials are yet to confirm whether any contraband was recovered from the SUV, as forensic and inventory checks are underway.