Sporadic incidents of violence reported in Odisha ahead of 5th Phase poll

Ahead of the second phase polling in Odisha and 5th phase voting across the country on May 20, scuffles between BJD and BJP supporters at different places across Odisha were reported on Tuesday.

BJP and BJD workers reportedly clashed during a rally of the saffron party in front of Khuntuni police station in Cuttack district on Tuesday night. Stones were allegedly pelted during the scuffle in presence of Additional SP. 

Though no major injury has been reported in the incident, more than five bikes were damaged in the process.

As per reports, BJP supporters were taking out a rally at Anantpur area under Athagarh Assembly constituency when they were allegedly attacked by the supporters of the ruling party.

In response, the supporters of the saffron party staged a gherao around Khuntuni police station demanding action against the accused. However, they withdrew their protests after getting assurance from police. 

BJD workers also gheraoed the police station by bringing counter allegations that they were beaten up by the Opposition party workers. Subsequently, Cuttack Additional SP reached the spot and pacified the protestors.

Though the situation was brought under control, workers of both parties resorted to violence once again by throwing stones at each other in presence of the Additional SP. Khuntuni police has launched an investigation into the incident.

“Timely intervention of police helped bring the situation under control. We are taking stock of the situation and launched an investigation into the incident,” said Cuttack Additional SP Debadutta Baral.

In another similar incident, violence was reported during election campaigning at Kumbo village under Ambabhona block in Bargarh district on Tuesday.

As per reports, BJP workers lodged a complaint at Ambabhona police station alleging that BJD supporters damaged their vehicles and thrashed a driver during their campaigning. Subsequently, the saffron party workers staged a gherao around the police station in presence of BJP candidate from Bhatli Assembly constituency, Irasis Acharya.

As mentioned in the complaint, BJD Bhatli MLA Susanta Singh’s brother was present at the spot during the violence. BJP has demanded stern action against the accused within 24 hours.

However, no reactions could be obtained from police or the BJD in this regard.