Huge lapses in the security measures during the on-going Panchayat polls came to the fore once again in Jajpur district after a Zilla Parishad candidate was allegedly attacked by her own party member on Saturday.
The police claims to have intensified security in different poll-bound districts in view of the frequent incidents of violence in the first two phases of the elections.
However, the repeated incidents of violence indicates that the security arrangements are proving inadequate as Odisha braces for the third phase of Panchayat polls on Sunday.
As per reports, Zilla Parishad candidate Mamina Mallick, from No-6 of Dasrathpur Block in the district, filed a complaint at the Mangalpur police station on Saturday against her own party member. In her written complaint, she has stated that Biraja Mallick, her own party worker, attacked her.
"Biraja Mallick threatened and manhandled me when I arrived at a spot where they were already involved in a fight," said Mamina Mallick.
Meanwhile, the Jajpur Superintendent of Police (SP), Rahul PR said, "We have taken strict action in places where incidents of violence were reported. As many as 28 persons have been arrested today for creating nuisance and violence in different places. We are registering cases as soon as we receive information about electoral malpractice and violence. A special mobile party has been engaged to arrest miscreants causing nuisance on the spot."
Meanwhile, another case of violence has been reported from Balasore. As reported, following the closing of voting, two groups clashed at a daily market in Paunsakuli in Basta block of the district. One person has been critically injured in the clashes after the two groups attacked each other with sticks. Forces have been deployed on the spot following the clash.
On the other hand, 5 persons were arrested and forwarded to a court for their alleged involvement in the looting of ballot boxes from three booths in Patsara Block of Jagatsinghpur.
The Brahmagiri police have also arrested one Mrutyunjay Palei (Kalia) for looting ballot boxes from Kasijharia Nodal School in Chapamanik Panchayat in Brahmagiri during the first phase of elections. The police have recovered the ballot box from him.