CUTTACK: Tension prevailed at Bairoi Bazaar in Kantapada block following a pre-poll violence in which supporters of a sarpanch candidate damaged a four-wheeler engaged in campaigning by her rival candidate on Sunday.
Sources said supporters of BJD-backed sarpanch candidate Priti Behera were taking out a rally at Bairoi Bazaar where they found the vehicle belonging to their rival BJP-backed candidate Namita Mishra campaigning through loudspeaker. Later, they allegedly assaulted the driver, tore banners and damaged the vehicle.
Protesting it, supporters led by Namita filed an FIR at Olatpur police station and staged a dharna. Police registered a case against some local BJD leaders and two Central Government employees involved in the case.
As no action was initiated against the accused, Namita and her supporters staged a road blockade on Phulnakhara-Nilai State Highway at Kantapada demanding action against the BJD workers. After police intervention, the road blockade was withdrawn.