The BJD supporters stage demonstration in front of the police station alleging partisan attitude of the cops towards Congress candidate during polls. Telegraph picture

The post-poll scenario took a murkier turn in this politically sensitive Assembly seat with BJD supporters staging a demonstration today accusing police for being partisan towards the Congress party.

The demonstration took local people by surprise considering that BJD heavyweight and health minister Damodar Rout was locked in the poll battle with a first-timer from the Congress.

“Officials of Paradip police station flagrantly violated the model code of conduct as they toed the line of Congress candidate Arindam Sarkhel. We are receiving reports about some officers influencing the voters to favour the Congress candidate. The Congress has triggered post-poll violence. Sarkhel has let loose hired goons on the BJD supporters. Many have been injured in the process. But, police are marked by inaction in nabbing the culprits. We have drawn the attention of chief electoral officer,” said Paradip unit BJD chief Sumant Kumar Biswal.

The police have a nexus with criminals, who thrive in other parts of the state, charged Paradip municipality chairman Manjulata Jena and vice-chairman Basant Kumar Biswal.

“Though there has been a rise in the crime rate in Paradip of late, all measures are being initiated to curb it at the earliest. A manhunt is on to nab the culprits involved in post-poll disturbances. However, the allegation of officials’ link with the law-breakers is concocted and fabricated,” said Paradip additional superintendent of police Madhav Chandra Sahu.

Prohibitory orders

In neighbouring Kendrapara, prohibitory orders were lifted from most parts of the district with improvement in the law and order situation.

However, tension continued to prevail across the Aul Assembly constituency, as a fresh case of clash was reported today from Deulatara village in the Rajkanika police limits. Three persons have been hurt in the clash, while condition of one of the injured persons is stated to be critical.

The administration imposed prohibitory orders in the district after a mob had attacked a government official on April 18. A vehicle loaded with EVMs was found outside the official’s residence and BJP leaders had accused the administration of trying to tinker with the election process.

Kendrapara collector Nitin Bhanudas Jawale said: “The prohibitory order will remain in force in Aul, Rajkanika and Mahakalpada blocks till April 25. In other parts of the district, the order has been lifted as situation has fast returned to normality. The administration has, however, imposed a ban on large public gatherings and rallies in the district to ensure peace and order in the areas.”

In another development, the district unit of the All Odisha OAS Officers’ Association today wore black badges to register their protest against the mob attack on Marshaghai block development officer. The association has sought for arrest of the culprits, who had attacked the officer. It has also threatened to resort to ceasework.