Bhubaneswar: A collision involving two vehicles near Nalco Square in Bhubaneswar late last night has sparked controversy after locals claimed that liquor and ganja were found in one of the vehicles, an SUV belonging to Baripada MLA Prakash Soren.

According to reports, the accident occurred when the MLA's Scorpio SUV rammed into the rear of a stationary Innova MUV. Four people were injured in the accident. The occupants of the SUV included the MLA’s son, his driver, and another passenger, while the MUV had only the driver. All the injured were rushed to the Kalinga Hospital for treatment by the Maitree Vihar police.

Eyewitnesses claimed that the SUV had lost control before hitting the MUV. The MLA’s son reportedly sustained facial injuries, while the driver suffered leg injuries. The crash led to a traffic jam for nearly an hour.

The controversy deepened after locals alleged that bottles of liquor and ganja were found inside the SUV. Some claimed to have recorded videos of the items on their mobile phones.

However, MLA Prakash Soren denied the allegations. “My son and his friend were in the vehicle. My son does not consume alcohol,” Soren said, refuting claims about ganja or liquor being found in the car.

Both vehicles involved in the crash have been seized by the police, who have launched an investigation into the incident.