Bhubaneswar: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the incident of pre-poll violence in Khallikote area of Odisha's Ganjam district, in which a BJP worker was killed.

The team was directed to collect proper evidence and submit chargesheet within 30 days for early trial of the case.

IPS officer RK Sharma has been instructed to camp at Chhatrapur to oversee law and order.

On the other hand, the number of arrests in the murder case rose to nine as another accused namely Jitendra Tarai was apprehended.

Meanwhile, police today conducted flag march in Sri Krushna Saranpur village, where the group clash had taken place between the workers of BJP and BJD on May 15 evening over putting up posters for the elections. Sharp weapons were also used in the fight.

A BJP worker sustained injuries in the clash and died. The deceased was identified as Dilip Pahan.

State BJP President Manmohan Samal said investigation should be carried out to ascertain as to who was behind the violent incident. While the Chief Electoral Officer has been trying to ensure free and fair elections, such incidents of violence are unacceptable.

The BJD leaders are in the fear that their party will dissolve if the BJP comes to power in Odisha, for which they are resorting to violence, he alleged.