Bhubaneswar: Expressing serious concern over the murder of a BJP worker at Khallikote in Ganjam district, Odisha Police today formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the murder case.
Police DG Arun Sarangi has formed the SIT, which will arrest the rest accused persons early, collect proper evidence (scientific/ forensic/ digital), and submit a charge sheet within 30 days for early trial of the case.
The SIT will give a status report to IG of Police, Southern Range from time to time, officials said.
In view of the pre-poll violence in Khallikote, Radha Krishna Sharma, ADGP/ Hdqrs will camp at Chhatrapur to oversee law and order in Ganjam District during the poll. He will camp at Chhatrapur from May 17 to 21, 2024.
One person was killed and seven others were injured in a clash between supporters of the ruling BJD and the opposition BJP in the district on yesterday night. Following the incident, the BJP workers also resorted to violence and even attacked media persons’ vehicles.
The violence incident took place in Sri Krushna Saranapur village in Khallikote police station area on Wednesday night over putting up posters for poll campaigning.
The deceased has been identified as Dilip Kumar Pahana (28), who was a resident of the village. He succumbed to injuries during treatment at MKCG Medical College and Hospital here, a police officer said. The Khallikote police yesterday arrested eight persons in connection with the alleged poll violence.
Soon after the violence, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nikunja Bihari Dhal swung into action and asked Ganjam SP to take strong action against the persons who broke the rule of law and decided to deploy 2,000 central forces personnel for elections in the district.
According to preliminary investigation, the clash occurred over putting up posters of a candidate and both sides used sharp weapons in the fight, he said, adding the injured persons are undergoing treatment at the state-run hospital and their condition is stated to be stable.