27 May 2024: Odisha Police detained Prasanta Jagadev, BJP’s Khurda MLA candidate, for allegedly vandalizing an electronic voting machine (EVM) during the sixth phase of polling on Saturday. The incident occurred at a polling booth in Kuanripatna within the Begunia assembly constituency.
Jagadev, accompanied by his supporters, reportedly argued with polling officials before allegedly damaging the EVM. Following the altercation, Jagadev fled the scene but was intercepted by police, who detained him at Begunia police station. Aparajita Sarangi, BJP’s Bhubaneswar Lok Sabha candidate, was also reportedly present in Jagadev’s vehicle at the time.
Despite the allegations, Jagadev denied any wrongdoing, claiming the EVM was damaged accidentally. He protested by staging a sit-in at the police station. This incident adds to Jagadev’s history of controversial conduct, as reported by the Indian Express.
Further investigation into the incident is ongoing.
