Berhampur Poll Violence: MLA Nominee Arrested For ‘Assault’ On BJP’s Pradeep Panigrahi

Berhampur: Police on Tuesday arrested Siba Shankar Dash, who is contesting as an Independent from Berhampur Assembly seat, for the alleged on assault BJP’s MP Candidate Pradeep Panigrahi the previous evening.

He was later sent to jail after the SDJM court rejected his bail plea. He has been booked under Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) of IPC, sources said.

Pradeep and Siba allegedly came to blows outside a booth after the end of polling in Gosani Nuagaon area here on Monday while the former was having a discussion with police officials over sealing of the EVMs. The BJP MP candidate sustained bleeding injuries on his right shoulder and complained of chest pain. He was initially rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital here and later shifted to AIIMS-Bhubaneswar, for further treatment.

The entire incident was captured in a nearby CCTV camera.

Speaking to the media, Pradeep wife Sujata said that he has a fracture rib and sustained injuries in the neck.

Also Read: Pradeep Panigrahi Shifted To AIIMS-Bhubaneswar After Scuffle With Independent Candidate

After Siba was overpowered and taken to police station, his supporters created a ruckus, alleging rigging of the polls, and also staged a sit-in demanding his release last night.

The former mayor of Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) was aspiring for a BJP ticket and decided to contest as an independent after he didn’t get one.