Approximately a 72-per cent of voter turnout was recorded till 5 pm in the by-election to the Bijepur Assembly constituency in the district on Monday
The polling percentage might increase when the final figure comes out, said Bargarh Collector Jyoti Prakash Pradhan.
No incidents of delayed polling due to technical glitches were reported from any of the booths.
As many as 33 platoons of the police forces, five companies of CRPF, and senior police personnel were deployed to avoid any untoward situation. Six booths in Gaisilet block in the Maoist-infested zone were given special care, informed Bargarh SP Padmini Sahu.
“However, there is a controversy over seizure of Rs 20, 000 from an Indica car near Gaisilet that was caught by the Flying Squad. Investigation is on,” she said. But the cash carried is coming under the permissible limit, the SP added.
The fates of the three main candidates will be known when counting of the votes would be held on October 24. The BJD has fielded Rita Sahu, the BJP Sanat Gadtia and the Congress Dillip Kumar Panda.