Poll violence: 24 injured as BJP candidate's campaign rally attacked in Brahmagiri

Puri: In yet another incident of poll violence, at least 24 persons were injured after members of Biju Yuva Bahini allegedly attacked the campaign rally of Brahmagiri BJP candidate Lalitendu Mohapatra at Brahmanadeo village under Krushna Prasad block in Puri district on Thursday.

As per reports, BYV members attacked the rally while Namita Mohapatra, wife of late Congress leader Lulu Mohapatra and his daughter Upasana were campaigning for BJP candidate Lalitendu who happens to be Lulu's brother.

Sources said that the BYV members pelted stones at the rally and later also thrashed some BJP workers with Lathis.

" I was at the house when my brother was being attacked in the clash at the BJP rally. When I went out to save him, I was hit by a sharp weapon and was trampled by around 14-15 men after which I fell unconscious," said a injured local, Sangram Biswal.

Complaints have been lodged from both sides at Krushna Prasad Police Station. No comments could be obtained from the BJD in connection with the incident.

It may be noted that several incidents of murder and brutal attacks have claimed as many as five lives and injuries to many others in different parts of the State in the run-up to the first and second phase polls in the State.