Commissionerate Police on Sunday detained more than 10 persons in connection with the pre-poll violence in Bhubaneswar ahead of the crucial Municipal elections.
At least five family members of a BJP Corporator candidate from ward number 33, Dharitri Jena, had sustained critical injuries after they were allegedly attacked on Friday night.
“After analysing the available CCTV footage, videos recorded with mobile phones by some people present on the spot, statement of police personnel and other witnesses, we have detained more than 10 persons. The identification process is going on and after a detailed verification, the culprits will be arrested,” said Bhubaneswar DCP Umashankar Dash.
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 near Laxmisagar police station.
In a video, the attackers were seen thrashing the victims with wooden planks and iron rods.
As per sources, the clash between both the groups ensued following a dispute over tearing of some posters. The BJP Corporator candidate’s family members were allegedly attacked when they had gone to lodge an FIR in connection with the tearing of posters.
Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi had met the injured at the hospital yesterday. The BJP had demanded arrest of those involved in the brutal attack within 24 hours. The party had also warned to stage a demonstration in front of the Commissionerate Police office if no action is taken against the accused.