Municipal Elections: BJP Corporator Candidate’s Family Attacked Over Poster Dispute In Bhubaneswar

In a first reported instance of pre-poll violence in Bhubaneswar ahead of the crucial Municipal elections, at least five family members of a BJP corporator candidate sustained critical injuries after they were allegedly attacked on Friday night.

As per initial reports, BJP corporator candidate from ward no 33 Dharitri Jena’s husband, brother-in-law and three others were allegedly attacked by nearly 60 persons including her rival BJD candidate’s husband and BJD’s corporator candidate from ward no 32.

Notably, the attack occurred in front of Laxmisagar police station. In a video, the attackers were seen thrashing the victims with wooden planks and iron rods.

Sources said that the clash between the two groups ensued following a dispute over tearing of some posters. It is alleged that the BJP corporator candidate’s family members were attacked when they had gone to lodge an FIR in connection with the tearing of posters.

Following the attack, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi on Saturday met the injured at the hospital.

“We are speechless as the incident occurred in front of Laxmisagar police station. The conditions of three persons is critical while one of them is battling for life in ICU. The attackers have also ransacked two vehicles,” said Sarangi.

Sarangi further said that the BJP has demanded arrest of those involved in the brutal attack within 24 hours. “We will stage a demonstration in front of Commissionerate Police office if no action is taken against the accused,” she added.