Lambodar released on bail

Phulbani: Lambodar Kanhar, convenor of Kui Samaj Samanoya Samiti (KSSS) who was jailed for allegedly assaulting job seekers from outside Kandhamal district, was on Tuesday granted bail.

District sessions judge S C Mohapatra granted bail to Kanhar, who is, however, yet to be released.

Kanhar was arrested by police on October 11 for allegedly beating up and injuring at least 30 sikshya sahayak aspirants who were at the district headquarters town for certificate verification on October 9.

Kanhar and his associates drove away the job seekers hailing from outisde Kandhamal while demanding that the posts must be reserved for the candidates from the district.

He was supported by Pana dalits and Kandha tribals, who are rivals of each other, for his stand that class III and class IV government posts should be reserved for candidates from local people.

A 12-hour bandh was observed in the district on October 12 opposing Kanhar's arrest.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Pana dalits met the district collector and submitted a memorandum to him during the day demanding reservation of Class-III and Class-IV government posts for candidates from Kandhamal and neighbouring Boudh districts.

They alleged that local candidates were ignored and those from other districts grab facilities meant for them.