BJP MLA’s son booked after Thar SUV rams five; blames victims for not clearing road after 'siren'

In a case that has triggered outrage over alleged misuse of power, the son of a BJP MLA in Madhya Pradesh’s Shivpuri district has been booked after his SUV reportedly rammed into five people on Friday morning. The accused, identified as Dinesh Lodhi, son of Pichhore MLA Pritam Lodhi, allegedly hit three men riding a motorcycle and two women pedestrians around 7:30 am. The incident occurred when the victims were on their way to Thanra village, while the two women were walking along the roadside. According to eyewitnesses and the injured, the SUV — a Mahindra Thar — bore the name “Pritam Lodhi” and “MLA” prominently on its front and rear. Witnesses claimed the vehicle struck the victims from behind.

A purported video of the incident, now circulating widely on social media, shows Lodhi arguing with the injured. In the clip, he is heard saying, “When I was sounding the siren, why didn’t you move?” He is also seen warning bystanders against recording the incident. The injured — identified as Sanjay Parihar, Ashish Parihar, Anshul Parihar, Sita Verma and Pooja Soni — sustained injuries to their heads, limbs and shoulders. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. Police in Karera have registered a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the incident. Officials said further investigation is underway. Reacting to the incident, MLA Pritam Lodhi said the law should take its course. “For an MLA, the public comes first, not family. The victims must get justice,” he said.