A BJP candidate in Odisha's Khurda district, Prashant Jagdev, was arrested for allegedly vandalizing an electronic voting machine (EVM) after having to wait in line for a long time due to the machine malfunctioning, officials reported on Sunday.

Jagdev, the current BJP MLA of Chilika, is contesting from the Khurda assembly segment this time. The incident occurred on Saturday at booth 114 in Kaunripatna, located in the Bolagad block of the Begunia assembly segment, where he is registered to vote.

Jagdev arrived at the polling booth with his wife, but due to the malfunctioning EVM, he faced a delay in casting his vote. An argument ensued between Jagdev and the presiding officer, during which Jagdev allegedly pulled the EVM from the table, causing it to fall and break, according to officials.

Superintendent of Police Avinash Kumar stated that Jagdev was arrested based on a complaint filed by the presiding officer.

Following his arrest, a court sent Jagdev to judicial custody, and he is currently lodged in Khurda jail. Jagdev has been charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in addition to the Representation of the People's Act, the SP added.