Pre-poll violence increases in Ganjam district of Odisha

Berhampur: Ahead of the second phase of voting in the state, sporadic incidents of pre-poll violence have been reported in Ganjam district. Anti-social elements, allegedly supported by political parties, have become increasingly active.

BJD supporter Ganesh Khatei (39) was shot at by unidentified youth in Polasara on Thursday, due to which he narrowly escaped suffering serious head injury. Sources said that when Ganesh was standing at College Chowk, youths riding a bike opened fire on him and fled away. The bleeding Ganesh was taken to the hospital for treatment. Police have registered a case and are searching for the culprits.

This comes after violence broke out in Bhanjanagar and Polasara assembly constituencies. Five BJP workers were injured in an attack allegedly by supporters of BJD candidate and minister Bikram Keshari Arukha in Bhanjanagar on Wednesday night, although the BJD has denied the allegations.
Clashes broke out in all seven assembly constituencies of Berhampur parliamentary constituency during the first phase of voting. BJP MP candidate Pradeep Panigrahi was allegedly attacked by Shiv Shankar Dash, an independent candidate from Berhampur assembly constituency.
Ganjam SP Jagmohan Meena said the police are on high alert and will take strict action against anyone trying to disrupt law and order ahead of the elections.