Keonjhar: Pre-poll violence escalated in Ghasipura constituency of Odisha's Keonjhar district as several supporters of BJD candidate Badri Narayan Patra allegedly attacked and injured a supporter of independent candidate Soumya Ranjan Patnaik on Wednesday evening.

The victim, identified as Basant Chakra (45) from Pandua village under Ramachandrapur police limits, sustained critical injuries in the attack and was admitted to the Sainkul Community Health Centre for treatment.

Patnaik’s supporters have accused MLA Badri Narayan Patra of inciting the violence. The increasing public support for Patnaik in Pandua village became unbearable for the supporters of the legislator, for which they resorted to violence, alleged Patnaik's supporters.

As per reports, Basant Chakra and his two associates were sitting in front of a poultry farm when BJD supporters, including Liku Jena, Manua Das, Deepak Kumar Jena, Pabana Behera, Bibhuti Behera, and Titi Jena, arrived in two vehicles and launched an attack on Chakra. They attempted to abduct him after beating him severely, but locals intervened and rescued Chakra.

Following the incident, Chakra was taken to the hospital in a critical condition with serious head injuries. Tension ran high on the hospital premises as many of Patnaik's supporters gathered. Ramachandrapur police, on being informed, reached the spot and tried to pacify them.

In response, Patnaik said he had decided to contest the election from Ghasipura with an intention of ensuring a violence-free poll. However, the violent incident has distressed him, he said.

Patnaik accused Badri Narayan Patra of resorting to his habitual violent activities. He urged his supporters to remain unafraid and cast their votes in large numbers on May 25 to form a peaceful Ghasipura. He also requested his supporters to refrain from any violent activities.