Post-poll violence: BJP worker allegedly attacked by BJD workers in Odisha’s Ganjam, 3 arrested

Khallikote: A youth identified as Tapan Biswal, who happens to be a worker of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), was allegedly attacked today by some workers of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) at Sumandal village under Beguniapada police limits and Khallikote block in Ganjam district, following polls.

Police arrested three persons in this connection and initiated a probe into the post-poll violence. The arrested are Kalia Sahu, Sushant Dora, and Sagar Mohanty.

Sumandal village comes under Kabisuryanagar Assembly segment of the district.

According to a source, Tapan was sitting at Sumandal Chhak earlier in the day when a murderous attack was done on him leaving him severely injured. He was rescued by some locals and was admitted to a private hospital in Berhampur for treatment in critical condition.

Tapan had an altercation with the accused youths during the fifth phase of polling in the country and the second phase of polling in Odisha. Things took an ugly turn when the BJP worker was attacked following the simultaneous polls to Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly in the State.

Acting on an FIR lodged by the victim, Beguniapada police registered a case and launched a probe. The murderous attack was a fallout of political rivalry, Tapan alleged in his FIR.

It is pertinent to mention here that another supporter of the BJP was allegedly killed in a group clash with some supporters of the ruling party at Srikrushnasaranpur village under Khallikote police limits in Ganjam district, on May 15.

The group clash had ensued between supporters of the two leading political parties over putting up posters for upcoming elections. It is said that sharp weapons were used in the clash.

The victim youth identified as Dilip Puhan had sustained injuries in the clash and later succumbed.