BJP leader arrested for wielding sword in religious procession

SAMBALPUR (ODISHA): Senior BJP leader Jayanarayan Mishra was arrested today for allegedly wielding a sword in violation of prohibitory orders by the administration during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations here, an official said.

Two separate FIRs were registered against Mishra, a former MLA, at Dhanupalli and Town police stations for allegedly wielding a sword during the procession here yesterday, the police officer said.

He said Mishra's action amounted to violation of prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC which had been imposed by the district administration as a precautionary measure to ensure peaceful celebration of Hanuman Jayanti.

Mishra, who was picked up from his house here, however claimed that he had not done anything "wrong" and his arrest was part of a "political conspiracy."

Mishra would be produced before a court shortly.