Kandhamal candidate is untraceable

The Election Commission on Sunday slapped two more sections against Ashok Sahu,the BJP candidate from Kandhamal Lok Sabha constituency for his alleged hate speech against Christian leaders even as the former police officer remained untraceble for most part of the day.

The EC asked the Kandhamal District Collector to add Section 505 and Section 295 of the IPC in addition to Section 153 of the IPC and Section 125 of Representation of the Peoples Act. The two new sections have been slapped for Sahu8217;s hate speech against a place of worship and statement to create public mischief. The EC decision came after the CD containing Sahu8217;s speech was reviewed by the Chief Electoral Officer. The commission has also issued a notice to Sahu for violation of model code of conduct.

Sahu,in his speech at Raikia block of Kandhdmal on April 5,had reportedly accused the Church leaders of killing VHP leader Laxmanananda Saraswati.

Meanwhile,the police on Sunday raided the Hill View Lodge in Phulbani town,where Sahu is working out of. An arrest warrant has already been issued against him. Sahu8217;s family members said they had no idea about his whereabouts,but Sahu said he was not hiding and was ready to court arrest.