Poll-related violence continues in various parts of Odisha

Cuttack/Bhadrak/ Kendrapara/Angul: Poll-related violence continued in Odisha with several more injured in clashes in various parts of the State.

Tension prevailed in Podana village in Niali of Cuttack district over the death of a person two days back. According to sources, houses were torched in the village by rival groups and clashes were also reported. A particular party’s name surfaced in perpetrating the violence in the area. A person was killed by his rival group two days back and several vehicles were also torched.

In Tentulihandi village under Chandbali police station of Bhadrak district, 4 people, including a woman, were injured in a clash between two political groups. Condition of one of the injured is reportedly critical. According to sources, the incident occurred late night yesterday when a dog was hit by a motorcycle leading to violent confrontation between two groups of people. The injured were admitted to the Chandbali community health centre and one of them had to be shifted to SCB Medical in Cuttack as his condition worsened. Police are conducting an investigation after a case was lodged. Elections are scheduled to be held in the area on February 19.

“There was no group clash, but two neighbor families got into a confrontation with each other over a dog being hit by a motorcycle. Two persons from each side were injured in the attack. We have got the report and once it is formally given we will begin our investigation,” said IIC of Chandbali police station, Kamal Lochan Bhuyan.

In Samukanendi village under Ghasipura police limits in Keonjhar district, 2 persons were seriously injured in a clash between two rival groups. The injured have been admitted to the hospital.

Post poll violence was reported from Kishorenagar block in Angul with clashes after a winning candidate’s family from Dhaurapalli was allegedly threatened. After results came out on Feb 13, the family members of the victorious candidate decorated their house by putting up lamps in front. As per sources, supporters of the losing candidate approached them and started abusing and threatening.  Moreover, it is being alleged that paddy stashes were torched by the miscreants.

Also Read: Several injured in poll-related violence in Odisha

Violence was reported from Athgarh again today after two factions of BJD clashed in front of Dorada Panchayat office. According to sources, one Subhash Bhoi was injured in the attack and has been admitted to Athgarh hospital. Sources informed that Subhash was attacked with a sword. Moreover, there are reports of blank firing at the spot where the incident took place. After receiving information police reached the spot and are conducting an investigation.

In Kendrapara, tension erupted after local BJP activists staged a road blockade at the Tikanpur road following allegation of abduction of son of a BJP Zilla Parishad candidate at Tikanpur under Patkura police station in the district.