Berhampur: Following the order of Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Nikunja Bihari Dhal, Khallikote police on Thursday arrested eight persons for their alleged involvement in the clash held between BJP and BJD which claimed one life at Krushna Saranpur village under Khallikote police limits on Wednesday night.
However, the main accused in the clash which left one dead and eight injured is still on the run.
According to sources, supporters of both the ruling BJD party and the saffron party engaged in a deadly clash over putting up of election posters. Their fight turned so bitter that it claimed the life of a person.
The deceased has been identified as Dilip Pahan. Tension ran high at the locality following the death of Pahan.
Concerned over the incident ahead of the second phase of elections in the state, CEO Nikuja Bihari Dhal directed the Ganjam District Collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) to take immediate action to contain pre-poll violence incidents in the district.
He has also made it clear that any such poll-related violence will not be tolerated.