Odisha panchayat elections violence: 36 persons arrested for disrupting first phase voting

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police have arrested reportedly arrested 36 persons for disrupting the first phase voting of the ongoing panchayat elections in the State.

According to the Odisha Police, 16 persons have been arrested from Puri district, 14 persons in Jajpur district and 6 persons have been arrested in Dhenkanal district in connection with poll disruption incidents during the first phase.

This apart, cops have seized 387177 Litres Liquor, 38 illegal arms, 2216.56 gms of narcotic drugs, registered 4966 nos of excise cases and executed 1903 no of pending warrants during the election process so far.

The State Police also have made adequate security arrangements for free and fair elections during the Second phase PRI Elections 2022 which will be held on February 18 (tomorrow).

“A total of 240 platoons force, 1753 mobile patrolling parties along with district Police Officers/Men have been deployed all over the state for smooth conduct of the second phase of elections,” said the Odisha Police in a press release.

“As many as 20435 booths will go for poll during this phase of elections. The election will be conducted with strict enforcement of State Election Commission guidelines and Covid protocols,” it added.