2 held for firing at BJP worker’s house

Bhubaneswar: Amidst the ongoing political blame game between the BJP and BJD, police today arrested two persons for their alleged involvement in firing at the house of Manoranjan Meher, a worker of the saffron party in Odisha’s Bijepur on January 7.

The accused have been identified as Md Arshad and Sushant Bhoi and the duo was arrested from a ‘dhaba’ at Loharachati on Chhattisgarh border. A Bolero vehicle, a country made pistol has been seized and the duo is being quizzed in connection with the incident.

Addressing a press conference, SP B Jugal Kishore stated that so far 'no political link' behind the firing has been established while further investigation in this connection is on. Moreover, the duo will be again brought on remand, if required, he added.

Meanwhile, BJP today turned the heat on the ruling party by staging demonstrations at all district headquarters protesting the attack on its party worker.

Senior BJP leader and in-charge of party affairs in Odisha, Arun Singh today said a ‘big political conspiracy’ is behind the attack.

“Today, our party is staging demonstration against BJD in all district headquarters as it is a big conspiracy to threaten our activists,” said Singh.

Singh further stated it would not be a surprise if the role of local MLA or Minister comes to fore and such incident should be probed thoroughly.

“Appropriate measures are being taken and those found guilty will be punished as per law,” said BJD Spokesperson Sasmit Patra.

Patra further stated it appears that BJP is trying to further delay the Bijepur bypoll and so far they have been successful in their attempts with assistance from the Centre.