Villagers guard samiti members ahead of crucial Digapahandi block chairperson by-poll

With a day left for the crucial by-election to the post of Chairman of Digapahandi Panchayat Samiti in Ganjam district, people of several villagers are now on an important mission. The mission is all about ‘protecting’ 14 samiti members.

The villagers are now guarding the samiti members belonging to the Bipin Pradhan group, sources said. All the 14 samiti members are now staying at a house in Bomakai village. The locals are guarding the samiti members, fearing that they might be kidnapped by the rival group ahead of the election.

“We have kept our leaders in security cover based on their request and our experience. Nearly 200 to 300 persons are guarding them in shifts,” said villagers.

The by-election to the post of Chairperson of Digapahandi Panchayat Samiti was earlier cancelled on August 31 following law and order situation. The election is now scheduled to be held on October 4.

“The election was cancelled and we have got support from villagers,” said a samiti member.

Another samiti member said, “We are forced to stay here seeking security as some goons had misbehaved and given death threats. Somehow I managed to escape. We are also getting threats to vote for them.”

Berhampur SP said, “All adequate security measures have been taken for the block election. Extra force has been deployed and appropriate action will be taken against any illegal activity.” Meanwhile, the leaders of the rival group could not be contacted over the matter.