The third phase polling in Odisha was marred with violence being reported from a booth at Athagarh in Cuttack district on Saturday. As per reports, four persons have sustained injuries in the clash between two groups. The clash has been reported from booth number 115 at Radhagobindapur in Athagarh.
Surprisingly, it was reported from one of the model booths that was established by the administration to facilitate voters to exercise their franchise without any trouble.
As per initial reports, the clash erupted soon after BJD leader Ranendra Pratap Swain had gone to vote. Sources said, it was Swain’s own panchayat and the two groups were engaged in verbal duel first and later attacked each other with chairs and even exchanged blows. It is pertinent to mention here that BJD’s Ranendra Pratap had to be escorted by police after he exercised his franchise. Similar kind of violence is also being reported from other booths in Athagarh.
Polling Agent Dies In Hindol
A polling agent reportedly died soon after falling sick during conduct of polling at booth number 136 in Hindol. The deceased has been identified as Sukadev Patnaik from Bahalunda area. As per reports, the agent fell unconscious at around 9:30 am and was immediately rushed to the hospital where the doctors declared him dead.
It is suspected that Patnaik might have died due to sunstroke. However, only after conduct of post mortem and other formalities, the exact cause of death can be ascertained.
Elderly Voter Dies
An elderly woman voter died while she had come to exercise her franchise at a booth in Nayagarh. The deceased has been identified as Kumuduni Dalei (65) of Patharpunji village. As per sources, Dalei fell unconscious while she was standing in queue.
BJP’s Upasna Mohapatra Alleges Misbehaviour, EVM Glitches’
In Brahmagiri Tension prevailed at booth number 127 at Gadarundanga in Brahmagiri on Saturday over EVM glitches. BJP candidate Upasna Mohapatra said, “The presiding officer is misbehaving with the voters and the BJD agent here is telling voters not to vote for me. He is also abusing and making derogatory comments against me. They are playing with the democracy. The voting is being done in a biased manner and there are serious lapses in EVMs.”