Bhubaneswar: A group of miscreants allegedly set the official residence of BJD's Talcher MLA, Braja Kishore Pradhan, on fire in Bhubaneswar late last night. As per reports, two cars, two motorcycles and one bicycle were gutted in the incident.
Eyewitnesses said the fire broke out at Pradhan’s official residence located in Unit IV area in the capital city at around 01.30 AM.
“After hearing blasts, I went to the legislator’s house and found smoke billowing out of the building. Immediately, I informed the Fire Services personnel but they responded very late,” said an eyewitness.
“The vehicles parked at the MLA’s house were in flames when I reached there. Later the Fire Services personnel reached the spot and doused the fire,” said another witness.
Sources said the MLA was not present at his official residence when the mishap occurred.
“This is an unfortunate incident. Police should immediately launch a probe and arrest the persons involved,” said Chhendipada MLA Sushant Kumar Behera, who visited the spot this morning.
Some local residents expressed concern over safety of citizens following the fire mishap. “If this is the situation at a legislator’s house located in one of the prime locations in the capital city, how can common public remain safe,” said a local resident.
Meanwhile, senior police officials and scientific team reached the spot and began probe.