Satyabadi BJP candidate allegedly attacked Presiding Officer

Surjit Kumar Dhal,Puri, April 24: BJP candidate for Satyabadi Assembly seat, Om Prakash Mishra, has been accused of attacking a Presiding Officer and damaging EVM machines during the Phase-III polling at Birakesarpur in Puri on Tuesday.

Presiding Officer Shibram Mohapatra of Balabhadra Nodal Up School polling station at Birakesarpur alleged that Mishra along with nearly 15 supporters barged into the booth, attacked him and destroyed the EVM machines and several documents.

One of Mishra’s supporters allegedly brandished a gun too, he said.

But alert villagers came to the Presiding Officer’s rescue, seized the gun and also detained two persons.

They also lodged a police complaint in this regard.

Notably, BJP candidate for Sorada assembly seat Nilamani Bisoi has been arrested by police for smashing an EVM machine at a booth in Renti village under Sorada police limits on April 18.