BJD MLA attacked, five arrested

BARIPADA: The BJD MLA from Bangiriposi constituency in Mayurbhanj district, Sarojini Hembram, was attacked in Bhatuabedha village under Kuliana police limits on Friday. While she escaped unhurt, three of the eight BJD activists accompanying her were injured. The police have arrested five JMM men in this connection. Police said a group of JMM workers prevented Hembram and her supporters from entering the village under Patihinja panchayat to campaign for Zilla Parishad candidate Chitta Ranjan Mahanta. Campaigning for the last leg of the panchayat polls ended here on Friday.  “A scuffle broke out between the two parties which saw three BJD workers getting injured. Their bikes were also damaged,” said SDPO Sudhakar Jena.The arrested five have been identified as Sk Sudam Ali of Kamta village, Pitha Murmu of Katharama village, Daman Hembram of Dhipasahi village, Krushna Chandra Hembram of Bijabani village and another Petha Murmu. Three others are absconding. The MLA confirmed that she was unhurt. “There was absolutely no tension in the area. The JMM supporters opposed our entry into the village and before we could react, they attacked us. Police reached the spot and brought the situation under control,” the MLA added.