Odisha Municipal Elections: 4 Injured In Pre-Poll Violence In Keonjhar, BJP Turns Heat On Police

As many as four persons were injured in a pre-poll violence at Atapur in Keonjhar on Tuesday ahead of the elections to urban local bodies in Odisha on March 24.

The injured have been admitted to Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital in a critical condition.

As per reports, a clash broke out between some BJD and BJP workers at Behera Sahi area over alleged distribution of money to buy votes.

The supporters of BJP alleged that the workers of the ruling party attacked some local residents of the area leaving four of them severely wounded.

Tension ran high in the area following the violent incident. Subsequently, supporters of the saffron party under the leadership of senior leader Mohan Majhi gheraoed Keonjhar Town police station demanding immediate arrest of the culprits.

“Four people have sustained serious injuries and many others have been thrashed mercilessly. Even women were not spared from the assault. However, the district administration has so far done nothing to arrest the culprits,” said Majhi.

“We demand immediate arrest of all accused. We will continue our protest until all of them are put behind bars,” he added.

Meanwhile, Keonjhar police have registered a case in this connection and launched an investigation.

“As per the complaints we have started a probe into the case and action against the culprits will be taken as per the law,” said Keonjhar Town police station IIC Pramodini Sahu. 

(Edited by Suryakant Jena)