Odisha Elections 2024: 20 CAPF Companies To Be Deployed In Violence-Hit Ganjam For May 20 Polls

Bhubaneswar: In the wake of election violence in Khallikote which claimed one life, the poll authorities on Thursday decided to arrange deployment of 20 companies of CAPF (Central Armed Police Force) in Ganjam district for the next phase election on May 20.

This was approved by a committee headed by Odisha’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nikunja Bihari Dhal.

Dhal has instructed the District Election Officer and Collector, Ganjam to not to use these companies of CAPF as Reserve Force or Striking Force, official sources said.

These 20 companies of CAPF will be deployed for smooth and peaceful conduct of poll in different booths of the eight assembly constituencies going to poll on May 20, a communiqué issued by the CEO stated.

The move came after a major violence took place following a clash between supporters of BJD and BJP in Khalikote’s Srikrushnasaranpur village. A 43-year-old BJP worker was allegedly killed in the violence. Some others were critically injured in the violence.

Khallikote police on Thursday arrested eight persons in connection with the alleged poll violence.

Police had to resort to lathi-charge to disperse people protesting in front of Khallikote police station, demanding arrest of all accused involved in alleged the murder of the BJP worker. Section 144 of the CrPC has been clamped around the police station, the sources added.