7 More Held For Post-Poll Violence In Odisha’s Ganjam; Total 26 Arrested Since March 12

Berhampur: Seven more persons have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the clash between two groups of supporters of a political party at Kendupadar village under Gangapur police limits in Ganjam district.

With this, the total number of arrests in the post-poll violence has gone up to 26.

On March 12, a clash occurred between two groups of the supporters of political parties after the election for chairperson of Aska panchayat samiti, police said on Sunday.

The clash has claimed the life of 35-year old man, Bulu Swain, a newly elected ward member and injured four others critically. “We have arrested seven more persons, including some main accused persons for their involvement in the clash, said SS Mishra, Bhanjanagar SDPO.

Three sharp weapons, bamboos, three cricket bats which were used during the clash have been seized, said SDPO. He said some more persons, who were involved in the incident have been identified and they would be arrested soon.

One force of platoon has been deployed in the village and patrolling intensified. The situation is under control, he said.

Police said the clash occurred over a heated argument between two groups of the same party on casting of votes in the panchayat samiti chairperson election held on Saturday in Aska block. While one group is the supporters of Manjula Swain, BJD MLA (Aska), the other group is the supporters of Hare Krushna Mallick, former chairman of Aska panchayat samiti.

In the chairperson’s vote Mallick’s one of the relatives Sikha Mallick was defeated, while Tribeni Nayak, a supporter of the MLA won the election, held indirectly.