BOLANGIR, FEB 10: The first pre-election violence has been reported from Loisinga constituency in Balangir district where president of the Janata Dal (United) Narasingha Misra is seeking to wrest the seat from his brother-in-law Balgopal Misra (BJP).Six persons have been arrested by the police following a clash at Chudapalli between the supporters of both the Misras, during which Balgopal Misra was alleged to have fired five rounds from his revolver. None, however, have sustained bullet injury.Narasingha Mishra has alleged that his nephew Siddharth and his supporter Debasis Biswal were assaulted by Balgopal Misra's son Akash and a group of 40 persons on Wednesday evening, when the two were standing near the JD(U) office. Siddharth was allegedly assaulted by Akash after the former feigned ignorance about the key of a motorcycle. As the clash ensued, Balgopal Misra, who was present at the spot, pulled out his revolver and fired five rounds, Narasingha Misra said.The arrival of the police brought thesituation under control. Three people, including Akash from Balgopal Misra's group and activists from the other camp, have been arrested.GUIDELINES VIOLATION: In a letter to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) on Thursday, the JD(U) leader has alleged that the BJP candidate, who was convicted in a criminal case in the past and was tried for several cases of rioting, has not surrendered his revolver despite Election Commission guidelines.He also alleged that though the officer-in-charge of the Sadar police station reached the spot while firing was going on, the fire-arm was not seized nor was Balgopal Misra arrested. The police, he said, are trying to shield the offender. On the contrary, the police are harassing JD(U) workers on false charges, he complained.He has urged the CEO to take immediate steps to seize the revolver and have it examined by experts, besides accounting for of the cartridges and arrest of Balgopal Misra.Denying that he fired at JD(U) workers, Balgopal alleged hissupporters were instead attacked by Narasingha Misra's workers. He further said the ``frustrated JD (U) leader'' is instigating his workers to resort to unlawful activities and the allegations against him were false.Stating that the JD(U) leader has shifted to Loisinga from Binka constituency fearing defeat, Balgopal said his rival's supporters are damaging election posters and banners of the BJP. He also alleged that a BJP worker, Tiku Singh, has been assaulted and one Bikram Kumure has been kidnapped by JD(U) supporters.
