Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal on Saturday demanded immediate arrest of BJP candidate for Khurda Assembly seat Prashant Jagadev for smashing EVMs, assaulting presiding officer and polling agents in a polling booth in Bolagarh-Begunia Assembly constituency.
A delegation of the BJD moved the Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha seeking arrest of the BJP leader.
Jagadev forcibly entered polling booth number 114 in Rajasunakhala near Kaunriapatna, within the Bolagarh-Begunia Assembly constituency in Bolgarh. During his intrusion, he damaged the EVM machine, physically assaulted the Presiding Officer and the Polling agents, and subsequently fled the scene, the BJD delegation informed the CEO.
Jagadev’s escape was facilitated by BJP MP candidate for Bhubaneswar, Aparajita Sarangi. She assisted in his getaway by providing her vehicle for his escape towards Khurda. However, the police promptly chased the vehicle, successfully intercepted it, and detained Prashant Jagadev at Bolagarh police station.
“We have already notified both the Central General Election Observer and the Central Police Election Observer regarding this grave violation and have submitted a memorandum demanding the immediate arrest of Prashant Jagadev”, the BJD said.
“In light of these events, we urgently request that you take immediate and stringent action against Prashant Jagadev to ensure his arrest. Such decisive action is necessary to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and guarantee a free and fair election in the state”, the BJD delegation said.