The law and order situation in Ganjam district, more particularly in Chhatrapur, Sanakhemundi and Khallikote has worsened following the declaration of the schedule of elections to the urban local bodies.
According to reports, the deteriorating law and order in Sankhemundi has triggered a sense of fear among the locals. The civil society is so scared that no one comes forward to file an FIR in a case of crime. Clashes between two groups on account of rivalry of liquor mafias have now become a routine affair in different parts of Sanakhemundi.
A group of anti-socials close to the ruling party took law into their hands and murdered a supporter of a rival political party at village Dengadi near Kankorda under the Pattapur police station on Monday. The deceased, Rabi, was shifted to Visakhapatnam for treatment where he was declared dead. Rabi had married last year.
Even during the day the people of this region do not dare to withdraw money from banks as they may not return home safely, said a villager.
According to sources, there are more than 50 country liquor manufacturing units operating in and around this area to which the district law and order authorities have paid deaf ears. It is the liquor and the sword that rule the surrounding villages and people are extremely scared to move out of their houses. And the situation has become turned more serious with the declaration of the polls.
In Khallikote also, the brother of a former NAC Chairman, PR Panda, was attacked by a group of antisocials on Tuesday. Panda, who sustained severe injuries, was admitted at the MKCG Medical College Hospital here.
Similarly, in Chhatrapur, a group of antisocials is freely moving with arms in the town at late night to settle scores with rivals, causing panic among people. lack of sufficient police personnel is a major handicap for the Ganjam police to function effectively, sources said. The Ganjam SP has reportedly directed the local police to strengthen the night vigil and arrest antisocials of all hues. When this correspondent wanted to contact the SP over phone to know his reactions, he was not available.