Bhubaneswar, Feb 15: Violence during the first phase of the three-tier panchayat elections has witnessed the loss of two lives in Odisha districts. Around eleven people have sustained injuries in several clashes occurring between political parties.
Surendra Nayak, a BJD supporter is stated to have got critical injuries after being allegedly attacked by his rival party’s supporters in Niali block in Cuttack. He died yesterday while undergoing treatment at SCB Medical College and Hospital. His family stated that Nayak was on his way back home on Monday night after completing campaigning work when he was allegedly attacked by former Congress MLA Rabindra Mallick and 40 of his supporters. The incident took place at Podana village under Kapasi panchayat in Niali block. Another woman, identified as Minati Sabar in Sariapalli village under Katalakaitha gram panchayat of Gajapati succumbed to injuries after she was grievously injured in an attack by opponent parties during post-poll celebrations. Paralakhemundi SDPO Utkal Ranjan Das stated that the body has been sent for post-mortem and once the report come in, action would be taken against the accused. Five villagers of Jampada under Kesharipur panchayat of Balasore district and six of Fagilput in Jajpur district were injured in poll related violence.
