Hatadihi: Even as the electioneering hots up for the three-tier panchayat polls across the state, Hatadihi in Keonjhar district has been on the boil due to poll violence since Monday night.
Five persons were critically wounded in the violence that erupted in Kalinga panchayat Monday night. Police seized two bikes.
According to reports, the bitter feud between two factions of the ruling BJD became violent Monday night. Damodar Ghadei of BJD and state secretary of Biju Chhatra Janata Dal Amarendra Dhal are contesting for the post of sarpanch.
The supporters of both the leaders clashed with one another which added to the worries of the ruling party.
Jagabandhu Swain of Bhakudi and his son Kanhu had a fight with Adhik Patra and Magana Patra of Shalakania over political issues. Jagabandh and his son Kanhu supported Amarendra Dhal while Magana and Adhik were supporters of Damodar.
Following the squabble, Amarendra along with his supporters allegedly barged into Shalakania and attacked some people. However, villagers put up a stiff resistance leading to a pitched battle between the two groups.
Villagers armed with lathis reportedly attacked the rival party. Even locals resorted to brick-batting and some even fires bullets.
Eventually, supporters of Amarendra had fled the scene, leaving behind their motorcycles. Five persons of both the sides sustained grievous injuries in the clash. The injured were Duryodhan Patra, Sanatan Jena, Kisina Patra of Shalakani and Jagabandhu Swain and Kanhu of Bhkudi.
As the condition of Kanhu was critical, he was shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.
Following a complaint by Jagabandhu, police registered a case and started an investigation. Police sized two bikes from the village and started a manhunt to nab those involved in the clash. PNN
