Bhubaneswar, (Orissa Today), May 17: The Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) has established a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the recent outbreak of pre-poll violence, resulting in the unfortunate demise of a BJP worker in the Khallikote region of Ganjam district.
An official statement declared, “The SIT has been tasked with expeditiously apprehending the remaining suspects, gathering comprehensive evidence (including scientific, forensic, and digital), and submitting a chargesheet within 30 days to expedite the trial process. Regular status updates will be provided to the Inspector General of Police, Southern Range.”
In response to the escalation of pre-poll violence in Khalikote, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Radha Krishna Sharma will be stationed at Chhatrapur from May 17-21 to supervise law enforcement operations in Ganjam district during the electoral process.
Tensions flared days ahead of the second-round elections in Odisha, culminating in clashes at Srikrushnasaranpur village under Khallikote police jurisdiction. The altercation ensued when one group opposed the installation of party banners by another faction late on Wednesday. Tragically, a BJP worker lost his life, while three others sustained severe injuries. The deceased, identified as Dillip Kumar Pahana from the same village, passed away while receiving treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital. One of the injured individuals was subsequently transferred to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, due to deteriorating health conditions.
Sources revealed that some of the injured individuals were previously affiliated with the BJD but had recently switched allegiance to the BJP, citing dissatisfaction with the candidate selection for the Khallikote Assembly seat. Subsequently, BJP activists staged protests in front of the Khallikote police station, demanding swift arrests of the assailants. Additionally, they obstructed roads, causing disruptions in traffic flow between Khallikote and Bhubaneswar.
Police authorities have thus far apprehended nine individuals in connection with the incident.
