28 held after panchayat election related violence in Ganjam

Berhampur: The Police have arrested 28 persons, including the father of a sarpanch candidate at two different places in Ganjam district for their alleged involvement in panchayat election related violence under Polasara and Digapahandi police station limits, respectively.

B Ashantulu Reddy, father of M Sunita Reddy, sarpanch candidate of Padmanavapur panchayat in Digapahandi block, was arrested for his alleged involvement in an attack on the supporters of a rival candidate during campaigning in his village at Mangarajpur last evening, said Inspector In-charge, Digapahandi police station, Debasish Mohanty.

At least four persons were injured in the incident, he said adding, the police have started investigation in the incident.

Stating that the situation in the village was under control, Mohanty said strict vigil was kept on the situation.

The Police arrested 27 persons for their alleged involvement in a clash between the supporters of two samiti member candidates at Patiamma on January 31.

At least ten persons were injured in the clash, the police said.

The police staged a flag-march in the village led by Additional SP (Ganjam) Ajaya Pratap Swain to restore confidence among the villagers and to ensure free and fair panchayat elections.

Earlier the Police had arrested 33 persons in election-related cases in the district from Sheragada, Bhanjanagara and Khallikote.