By Trend News Line 2024-05-25 17:28:37.
Violence Erupts at Polling Booth in Athagarh, Odisha
The third phase of polling in Odisha took a violent turn as clashes broke out at a booth in Athagarh, Cuttack district on Saturday. Reports indicate that four individuals sustained injuries in the altercation between two groups at booth number 115 in Radagobindapur.
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Model Booth Turns into a Battlefield
Surprisingly, the clash occurred at one of the model booths set up by the administration to ensure a smooth voting process for the citizens. The violence erupted shortly after BJD leader Ranendra Pratap Swain cast his vote at the booth. Sources reveal that tensions escalated from a verbal altercation to physical violence, with chairs being thrown and blows exchanged between the groups. Police had to intervene to escort Swain safely from the scene.
Tragic Incidents Mar Polling Day
Unfortunately, the polling day was marred by tragic incidents as well. A polling agent, Sukadev Patnaik, passed away after falling sick at booth number 136 in Hindol. The agent collapsed around 9:30 am and was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities suspect that Patnaik’s death may have been due to sunstroke, but further investigations are required to determine the exact cause.
In another heartbreaking incident, an elderly woman voter, Kumuduni Dalei, lost her life while waiting in line to cast her vote at a booth in Nayagarh. Dalei, a 65-year-old resident of Patharpunji village, suddenly fell unconscious, highlighting the challenges faced by voters, especially the elderly, during the intense polling process.
BJP Candidate Raises Concerns Over EVM Glitches
Meanwhile, in Brahmagiri, Puri district, tension mounted at Booth 127 in Gadarondanga due to alleged EVM glitches. BJP candidate Upasna Mohapatra raised serious concerns about the conduct of the presiding officer and the behavior of the BJD agent at the booth. Mohapatra accused the BJD agent of influencing voters against her and engaging in abusive behavior, raising questions about the fairness of the voting process at that location.
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As the incidents of violence and unfortunate deaths cast a shadow over the polling day in Odisha, authorities are expected to investigate the matters thoroughly to ensure the integrity and safety of the electoral process. The clashes and tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced during the democratic exercise and the need for vigilant monitoring to prevent such incidents in the future..
– Violence during Odisha’s Third Phase Polling
– Voter Turnout in Odisha’s Third Phase Polling.
