Berhampur: Political violence has taken to alarming proportions in Ganjam district with violence claiming the lives of eight persons during last six months. Political people and their associates are being relentlessly killed at the slightest pretexts over gaining control of local political power. However, the accused are managing to go scot-free in most of these cases as police have failed to prove the involvement of the real culprits behind the violence. This has sparked unrest and a sense of lawlessness in Ganjam district with one after another being killed in regular intervals after the conclusion of panchayat polls.
All the murders are results of intense turf war prevailing between various political groups. This is also indicative of the deeper malaise and rot prevailing within political groups and the system. The recent murder of a contractor and husband of a defeated Samiti member candidate of last panchayat polls at Regidi Square under Sadar police limits, September 13 is a case in this point. The slain contractor was identified as Purna Chandra Nahak, 42, of Ramsa village under Rushipur panchayat of Purusottampur block. His wife Minati Nahak has alleged it to be murder over past political enmity. Minati contested the last panchayat polls as a Samiti member candidate from Rushipur panchayat but was trounced.
Earlier in June, a youth Jogesh Behera of Jamuni village under Purusottampur police limits was killed in violence while another youth was rendered critical. Locals alleged that Jogesh was killed over political enmity. Two BJD youth leaders were mercilessly hacked to death on Saura hill main road near Sindhaba village under Chasanimakhandi panchayat and Digapahandi police limits in Ganjam district, April 13. The deceased were identified as Sudhirkanta Patra and Sudarshan Suar of Palajhadi village under Chasanimakhandi panchayat. Police during probe found that the murder occurred over the result of panchayat polls for Chasanimakhandi panchayat and arrested nine persons in this connection. Police also said that Rs 50,000 was given to contract killers to execute the murder.
Later, another youth Babu Goud of Nabarangpur village under Digapahandi police limits was killed while another youth Pradip Sahu was rendered critical, May 29. Police said termed past political enmity as the reason behind the murder. Sahu succumbed to his injuries during treatment five days after the incident. Police arrested one person and produced him in the court.
Earlier, one person was killed at Polsara, February 18 over political enmity and another under Aska police limits, March 12. A former sarpanch and two of his associates sustained critical injuries in a violent clash with the members of rival group led by the current sarpanch during Sitala Sashthi festival at Masihakhali village under Kukudakhandi block, June 6. Police arrested the current sarpanch supported by the ruling party and produced him in court.