Bhubaneswar: A committee headed by Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha Nikunja Bihari Dhal today approved the deployment of 20 companies of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) in Ganjam district for the fifth phase of elections on May 20.

Dhal instructed the District Election Officer and Collector of Ganjam not to use these companies of CAPF as Reserve Forces or Striking Forces. These twenty companies of CAPF will be deployed specifically for the smooth and peaceful conduct of polling in different booths of the eight Assembly constituencies going to poll on May 20, an order issued by the CEO mentioned.

Worth mentioning, a supporter of the BJP was allegedly killed last night in a group clash with the supporters of the ruling BJD at Srikrushnasaranpur village under Khallikote police limits in Ganjam district.

The group clash 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.

Victim youth identified as Dilip Puhan sustained injuries in the clash and later succumbed.

At least eight persons belonging to both factions sustained grievous injuries in the incident and are undergoing treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital (MKCGMCH) in Berhampur.