Odisha: Lookout circular against absconding BJP MLA candidate

Puri: Trouble mounted for BJP’s Satyabadi MLA candidate Om Prakash Mishra as police issued a lookout circular against him in connection with the EVM vandalising at a polling booth in Odisha’s Puri district, informed SP Uma Sankar Dash today.

As many as three special squads have been formed by police to apprehend Mishra. Photos of Mishra have been sent to authorities of various airports in the country as a part of the lookout circular, the official said.

The nominee has reportedly absconded after the EVM vandalising incident. Police teams raided his residence at Hansapal in Bhubaneswar yesterday, but returned empty-handed.

On the other hand, two supporters of Mishra have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the offence. The arrested have been identified as Manas Samantaray (32) of Khordha and Akshaya Kumar Biswal (34) of Kanas.

Concerned presiding officer Shivaram Mohapatra had lodged a police complaint against Mishra and his supporters, following which a case was registered against them under sections 187, 186 of Representation of the People Act, sections 25 and 27 of Arms Act and sections 147, 148, 506 of IPC.

As per the complaint, Mishra and his supporters barged into booth no. 78 at Birakishorepur village under Kanas block of the district on April 23 and vandalised the EVM. They also tore important documents related to the polling process.

Furthermore, the MLA candidate took out a gun and attempted firing. However, he dropped the weapon and fled the spot after voters protested the act unitedly, the presiding officer said in his complaint.