An incident that started as a traffic collision in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, has evolved into a narrative involving influence, coercion, and the revival of a controversial reputation.
BJP legislator Pritam Lodhi, who questioned whether the area was under police control by asking if it belonged to their ‘father,’ is now facing examination for intimidating officers. His response to his son’s vehicle striking five individuals has reignited perceptions of him as a local figure with a criminal background.
The event occurred on April 16 at approximately 7:30 a.m. Dinesh Lodhi, son of the Pichhore assembly member, reportedly drove a fast-moving Thar SUV into five people directly in front of the Karera police station. Witnesses described the aftermath as disturbing.
They stated that following the impact, he calmly proceeded to a nearby gym about 500 meters away. Upon police arrival, he allegedly dismissed them, saying he would deal with the station head, and warned that his father, being a legislator, could handle even a homicide matter.
A significant development was the legislator’s abrupt shift in stance. Initially, Pritam Lodhi emphasized responsibility, stating that citizens’ interests come first and that he had directed authorities to file a formal complaint. However, his approach soon altered dramatically.
He began openly confronting police personnel. Addressing IPS officer and Karera sub-divisional officer Ayush Jakhar, Lodhi remarked that the official should consider their family’s background. This statement has attracted notice not only for its aggressive nature but also for the implications of that background.
Records confirm this history. As per his election declaration, Pritam Lodhi is involved in nine cases under about 28 legal provisions, including grave accusations such as murder under Section 302 and attempted murder under Section 307. He has been implicated in three murder investigations and once faced a district banishment directive.
His clashes with law enforcement date back years. Almost 20 years ago, he was charged with invading a police facility in Gwalior’s Hazira area and attacking officers, including the then-supervisor Surendra Chauhan.
By 2012, 34 cases were lodged against him, encompassing offenses like homicide, attempted homicide, public disorder, plotting robbery, and physical assault. More recently, he was detained for reportedly protecting a cross-state offender named Harendra Rana.
From Jalalpur village in Gwalior, Lodhi has maintained a notable presence locally. Residents frequently note that in cases of significant crimes in the vicinity, authorities would initially suspect him.
In politics, he previously had close ties to senior BJP figure Uma Bharti and expanded his sway through community events, such as wrestling competitions.
Controversies have persisted. In 2022, his offensive comments toward Brahmins and spiritual leaders sparked demonstrations, resulting in his removal from the BJP. He was later reinstated before the 2023 polls.
This notoriety now affects his son too. Dinesh Lodhi has a record including a 2023 charge of threats, a 2024 event in Gwalior where he allegedly tried to drive into neighbors, leading to imprisonment, and claims of demanding large sums through coercion.
Last January, Pritam Lodhi caused uproar by designating ‘representatives’ in police stations throughout his area, viewed as meddling in law enforcement, which was withdrawn amid widespread criticism.
