By Our Correspondent
CUTTACK/BHUBANESWAR: As many as 147 persons so far arrested in connection with violence during the last 4 phases of polling for Odisha Panchayat and Zilla Parishad polls. Police have arrested 103 accused persons in Jajpur, 10 nos in Dhenkanal district, 07nos in Jagatsinghpur district, 03 nos in Kendrapara district and 24 accused persons in Puri district in connection with poll disruption incidents during the first four phases, office of Odisha DGP said on Wednesday.
The Fifth and last phase of 3-Tier PRI Elections – 2022 in the State will be held on 24th February, 2022 and people of 25 districts will cast their votes. Swabhiman Anchala (erstwhile cut-off area) under Chitrakonda Block in Malkangiri District will also go for poll during this phase. State Police have made adequate security arrangement for free and fair elections. 258 platoons force, 1148 mobile patrolling parties along with district Police Officers/ Men have been deployed all over the state for smooth conduct of fourth phase of elections. 13,514 booths will go for poll during this phase of elections. The election will be conducted with strict enforcement of State Election Commission Guidelines and Covid protocols.
78,389 nos of booths throughout the state out of total 91,093 booths have already undergone polling during the first four phases of PRI Elections – 2022 and polling has been peaceful throughout the state barring polling disruptions in a negligible number of Booths due to public disturbances, wrong folding/ printing of ballot papers and other reasons. Polling is already over peacefully in Seven Police Districts i.e. Jharsuguda, Boudh, Deogarh, Berhampur, Angul, UPD Cuttack and Khordha.
Adequate security arrangements have been made in different Strong Rooms throughout the State with CCTV coverage to ensure round the clock safety of polled Ballot Boxes. Security and CCTV arrangements are also being made at different Block Headquarters throughout the State by respective Ss.P for smooth counting of votes.
