'Attack' on Dharmasala MLA: Odisha Crime Branch intensifies probe, reaches spot

Two days after the Odisha State Crime Branch took over the probe into the attack on Dharmasala MLA, Himanshu Sahoo, in Jajpur, the agency has now intensified its investigation.

Stepping up its probing, the agency’s sleuths landed on the attack spot and its adjoining areas to gather clues and evidence.

Crime branch officers particularly focused on areas where roads were reportedly blocked near the Biraja Temple of Budhapola area in Jajpur district. As part of their inquiry, the officials questioned residents about the blockade.

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At the same time, the probe is moving ahead with ground-level attention as Crime Branch teams collaborate with local police for evidence gathering.

Furthermore, officials also visited a few ‘crime scenes’ and took records from Sadar and town police station jurisdictions, including Budhapola, where tension erupts following the arrival of the MLA’s supporters.

On the evening of November 20, Himanshu Sahoo was allegedly attacked at the scene with sticks and iron rods. In his complaints, the Dharmasala MLA alleged that supporters of BJD organizational secretary, Pranab Prakash Das, had attempted a fatal attack.

Five to six people sustained injuries in the alleged attack. Following the attack, supporters of the legislator resorted to protest, which was later pacified by Jajpur town police.

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The crime branch is looking into the alleged attack on the MLA, staging of the roadblock, and gherao of the Town Police Station.