Cuttack: It was an emotional homecoming for nearly 300 people of more than 50 families for Podana village under Niali Police limits today, nine months after leaving behind their home and hearth due to severe outbursts of violence during the panchayat elections earlier this year.
Hundreds of residents of Podana who had taken refuge in nearby villages after fleeing their homes following the murder of BJD leader Surendra Nayak and subsequent riots, returned to their village today with the support from the villagers of nearby 22 Mouza and police.
To avoid any untoward incident police force has been deployed in the village and the district administration is monitoring the situation.
Speaking to OTV, Ramesh Chandra Khuntia, a resident of nearby Tampada village says it is very assuring to see the villagers return to their homes after months of hardships and staying away in fear of any consequences following the poll violence. “It was very saddening to see that the very people who were so close to us turned our enemies just for the sake of politics. But now we are sure that peace and brotherhood can be restored in the village,” he said.
On February 14, Surendra Nayak of the village, a supporter of the ruling BJD, was allegedly attacked by some activists of Congress. After he succumbed to his injuries later the next day, irate BJD workers torched eight Congress workers’ houses, including the house of former MLA Rabindra Mallik and also set a private school on fire.
Property worth more than one crore was burnt to ashes.
Recounting rampage that gripped the village following the murder, another resident says that the poll violence has shaken up their financial condition. “The rioters destroyed our properties, looted our valuables and even threatened us for life,” he said.
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