Bhubaneswar, May 16 : One BJP worker was killed, and three others sustained injuries during poll violence at Srikrishasaranpur Panchayat under Khallikote block in Odisha’s Ganjam district.

Sources said some BJD workers allegedly attacked BJP supporters while they were busy electioneering at Srikrishasaranpur village under Khallikote block in the district.

Four injured BJP workers were rushed to the nearby Community Health Centre but later shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur, where one worker, identified as Dilip Pahan, succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday night.

Sources said one of the three critically injured BJP workers was later shifted to Bhubaneswar as his condition deteriorated.

The police have arrested eight people in connection with the violence and deployed one platoon of police force to contain the law and order situation in the area.

Family members of the deceased and BJP supporters, protesting against police inaction, have gathered at the Khallikote police station, demanding action against the personnel. Angry BJP workers also staged a road blockade in front of Khallikote police station, demanding the arrest of the culprits involved in the violence.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has strongly condemned the poll violence. Taking to his X handle, Patnaik said, “Deeply disturbed and saddened by the very unfortunate and tragic incident of violence in the Khallikote area.”

He said such incidents have no place in our democracy or civil society, and he strongly condemned this incident. “My deepest condolences to the family who lost their loved one, and I pray for the early recovery of those who sustained injuries,” the Chief Minister said.

He further stated, “I am sure the police will take strong and exemplary action against the perpetrators of this heinous crime.”

The BJP workers alleged that supporters of the ruling party often opposed them during various activities and that around 25 bike-borne BJD supporters attacked them with sharp-edged weapons while they were putting up saffron party banners in their area.

Odisha Chief Electoral Officer Nikunja Bihari Dhal has expressed grave concern over the poll violence and said Odisha will never tolerate any violence.

He directed the Ganjam district collector and the superintendent of police to take the necessary action to control the violence and bring peace to the area.

UNI