Congress ex-MLA in Odisha sent to jail

A former Congress MLA and three others were on Monday sent to jail after their bail petitions were rejected by a local court in Odisha's Ganjam district.

The police presented former MLA Ramesh Jena, his father Arakhita Jena, Bapi Panda and Jackey Patra in the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate's court here after arresting them for alleged criminal activities.

The former legislator and Jackey were held on Sunday night while Jena's father was arrested on Monday morning, police said.

"I am innocent. I am not involved in any criminal case," Jena told reporters as he was being presented in the court.

The former Congress MLA from Sanakhemundi was arrested in connection with the bombing of a local corporator's house in Berhampur.

Three arrested persons were sent to Berhampur circle jail in Ganjam district after their bail petitions were rejected. The court reserved its verdict on the bail plea of the MLA's father.

The Congress leader has been booked under Sections 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 436 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house) and 212 (harbouring offender) of the Indian Penal Code and 25 of the Arms Act.

Meanwhile, Director General of Police K.B. Singh said Jena was involved in manufacturing 'fake' gutka, milk powder and tender-fixing. However, the MLA said it was a case of political conspiracy.

Conducting a raid at the MLA's house, the police allegedly seized two revolvers and five bullets, besides Rs.10 lakh and documents pertaining to five bank accounts with deposit amounting to over Rs.1 crore.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Congress has decided to protest the arrest of its leader.