BJP MLA Candidate Prasanta Jagadev Arrested for Damaging EVM During Odisha Polling

Khordha: In a dramatic turn of events during the third round of polling in Odisha, BJP MLA candidate from Khordha, Prasanta Jagadev, was arrested for allegedly damaging an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). The incident occurred at booth number 114 in Bolagarh, where Jagadev and his wife had gone to cast their votes.

Reports suggest that Jagdev was detained by Begunia police after a complaint was filed by the presiding officer. He was taken to the reserve police camp and subsequently arrested. Jagadev now faces judicial custody and has been booked under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 452, 448, 294, 354, 323, 332, 427, 171(c), 506(i), 354, and 34.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has called for strict action against Jagadev, accusing him of unauthorized entry into the polling booth and damaging the EVM. BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra alleged that Jagadev assaulted polling officials and then fled, hiding in the vehicle of Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi.

Contrary to these accusations, villagers from Kaunripatana in Bolagarh block have defended Jagadev, claiming the charges are politically motivated. They allege that the presiding officer misbehaved with several voters, including Jagadev.