Bhubaneswar: Violence related to the ongoing three-tier panchayat elections has witnessed the loss of two lives in the State. According to sources, as many as eleven people have been injured in several clashes between political parties.
Surendra Nayak, reportedly a supporter of BJD, who was critically injured after being allegedly attacked by his rival party's supporters in Niali block in Cuttack, died today while undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital.
Nayak’s family sources said the deceased was returning home on Monday night after completing campaigning work when he was allegedly attacked by former Congress MLA Rabindra Mallick and 40 of his supporters. The incident took place at Podana village under Kapasi panchayat in Niali block. Nayak was grievously injured in the attack and rushed to SCB for treatment.
In another gruesome incident, a woman, identified as Minati Sabar in Sariapalli village under Katalakaitha gram panchayat of Gajapati district succumbed to injuries after she was injured grievously in an attack by opponent parties during post-poll celebrations.
“We have sent the body for post-mortem. Action will be taken once we get the report,” said Paralakhemundi SDPO Utkal Ranjan Das.
Police said, five villagers of Jampada under Kesharipur panchayat of Balasore district and six of Fagilput in Jajpur district have been injured in poll related violence. However the situation is under control in both the places, police claimed.
Dharmasala IIC Amitabh Mohapatra said additional forces have been deployed to maintain law and order situation in the area.