Cash for vote: Odisha cops rescue former BJD minister Sarada Nayak from captivity

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Rourkela, Feb 20:

It seems controversy is tailing former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) minister and Rourkela Development Authority (RDA) Chairman Sarada Prasad Nayak as he was again allegedly caught by villagers while distributing freebies in Odisha’s Sundargarh district today.

According to reports, senior BJD leader Sarada Prasad Nayak was again caught by villagers of Jarada Panchayat under Gurundia block in the district while allegedly distributing cash and other freebies to people to influence them, a day ahead of the final phase of the Panchayat polls.

The enraged locals said to be belonging to opposition parties held the former Rourkela MLA held them in captivity for nearly three hours.

After receiving information about Nayak being kept under confinement, Bonai Sub-Collector Swadha Dev rushed to the spot. Dev informed local police to rescue Nayak.

Police swung into action and rescued the civic body chief along with his five other supporters. They were taken to the police station for questioning, sources said.

Reports further said, around 52 umbrellas, liquor bottles, Rs 8, 200 cash, bags and blankets were seized from an SUV. The seized articles and the vehicle were taken to the police station.

Earlier on February 14, Nayak was caught while distributing cash to voters at Jhirpani in Bisra block in the district following which people manhandled him and his supporters.

It may be mentioned here that Nayak was entrusted with the duty of election in-charge of Biramitrapur Assembly segment.

Also Read: Vote for cash: Complaint against Odisha’s former ruling party MLA Sarada Nayak