Kendrapara, April 23: Police today arrested the district BJP president and a party activist in the alleged assault on the block development officer of Marsaghai block on April 18 after a vehicle carrying electronic voting machines was found to be parked outside his residence.

So far, 14 persons have been arrested in this connection.

The Odisha Administrative Service Officers’ Association has launched a pen down agitation demanding arrest of all the persons involved in the assault of the BDO, Sushant Kumar Pati. The administration had imposed prohibitory orders in the politically-sensitive coastal district, which was partially lifted on April 21.

“BJP district president Duryodhan Sahu and one of his party colleagues were taken into custody. Video footages obtained by the police establish indulgence of the arrested persons in the violence,” said Kendrapara superintendent of police Rabi Narayan Behera.

All the 14 arrested persons have been charged under various sections of the Criminal Procedure Code and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984.

BJP leader Bijoy Mohapatra, who is the candidate for Mahakalpada Assembly seat, alleged: “The government has made a mockery of law. It has now become apparent that there are two sets of law — one for those holding office and the other for the common men.

He said that the controversial BDO had been spared from punishment. The election officer had reported to the authorities that the officer violated the provisions in diverting the EVM to his residence.

In another development, Pati has been shifted to Narasinghpur block in Cuttack district following an order issued by the state government.