BJP MLA candidate Nilamani Bisoyi arrested for 'smashing EVM' during Phase-2 polls

Berhampur: Hours after an FIR was lodged against BJP Assembly candidate Nilamani Bisoyi for allegedly smashing the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) in polling booth no-182 at Renti village under Sorada Assembly constituency, police arrested him Thursday evening as his bail plea was rejected by the Court.

As per reports, Ganjam District Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange had informed that Bisoyi damaged the EVM in the polling booth when second phase polling was underway. The Collector and Police had reportedly received information about Nilamani's alleged involvement from the polling officials appointed at the booth.

He was initially detained at the PS and later arrested by police on the aforementioned charges.

On the other hand, Bisoyi claimed that it was BJD workers who caused the damage and he has been conspired into the incident. He also filed a complaint in this regard but police declined his claims.

"I had gone to the booth after getting information regarding booth rigging by BJD workers. There was a scuffle and BJD workers ransacked the EVM," Bisoyi had claimed.

Meanwhile, Sorada Police Station IIC, Prabhat Sahu said, "Nilamani had given us a written statement that some BJD workers have damaged the polling unit. But we found his claims baseless as the presiding officers, polling agents and other officials in the booth, have all named him for EVM damage. However, we will also launch an inquiry based on his (Bisoyi) complaint and action would be taken if there's any truth behind his allegations."

Nilamani Bisoyi, a former Congress leader, had joined the saffron party last month prior to declaration of candidates' list for the 2019 polls.