The March 12 incident was an accident, says Chilika MLA Prashant Jagdev

Bhubaneswar, Aug 10: The March 12 incident was an accident, said Chilika MLA Prashant Kumar Jagdev on Wednesday. Responding to the media personnel on the matter of ramming his SUV  on the crowd  before the Banpur Panchayat Samiti, Jagdev said, “I never repent at all for what happened on the March 12 because I had no fault, rather it was an accident.” Breaking long silence after he was released on bail by the Supreme Court, he said that he was not even sorry for the injuries of people by his car since he unconsciously pressed the accelerator leaving the break out of panic caused by the mob. Describing his ordeal alleging BJP workers, Jagdev said “I had no fault at all. I was on my way to meet Panchayat Samiti members. All of a sudden, BJP workers carrying lathis and party flags marched towards me and started attacking me. Subsequently, they became more violent and went on causing damage to my car while I was driving it. I lost my sense for some time out of nervousness and became faint. As a result the vehicle started moving on its own and hit the people before it. Reacting on the partial telecast of the incident, he said the media telecast only the last part of the incident that featured the mishap which was later compared to the infamous Lakhimpur Kheri incident. Similarly, he refuted the allegations regarding fake number plate and liquor, recovered from his car alleging a conspiracy by the BJP to tarnish his image. Setting aside the gossip regarding him contesting the 2024 general election as an independent candidate, he said he hopes the party would give him a ticket. “I will obey whatever decision the party would take in my case,” said Jagdev. On March 12, his SUV had ploughed into the crowd, leaving at least 22 injured in Banapur area.