BJP worker killed in pre-election clash in Odisha
A Bharatiya Janata Party worker, identified as Dilip Pahan, was killed during a pre-election clash with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party workers in Srikrushnasaranpur village, Odisha, on Wednesday. The violent incident was reportedly sparked by disagreements over the erection of party banners. During the altercation, supporters from both camps used sharp weapons, causing injuries.
Injured shifted to medical facilities post clash
The injured were immediately rushed to Khallikote community health center. Pahan, who was critically injured, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at MKCG Medical College in Berhampur. One of the injured individuals' condition also deteriorated and he was subsequently transferred to AIIMS in Bhubaneswar for further medical attention. In the aftermath of the incident, BJP workers staged protests outside Khallikote police station, demanding immediate arrest of the attackers.
Protests and accusations follow violent incident
They also demanded the immediate arrest of Khallikote MLA Suryamani Baidya and her husband, Daitary Behera. Baidya is running for a second term on the BJD ticket in Khallikote, which is part of the Aska Lok Sabha constituency. The Aska constituency is scheduled to go to the polls on May 20 in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Thirty-five assembly segments will also go to the polls on the same day.
