Rigging alleged in Ganjam booths

BERHAMPUR: Violence marked the third phase of polling in Ganjam district on Wednesday.Polling was held in six blocks of Patrapur, Chikiti, Kabisuryanagar, Beguniapada, Bhanjanagar and Jaganathprasad. While Kabisuryanagar and Chikiti witnessed minor clashes, ballot boxes were looted from three booths of Pudutei village in Jaganathprasad. Rigging was alleged in two booths in Khamarigaon village and Khandadeuli in Patrapur, one booth in Sanakodonda village in Bhanjanagar and another in Chandanpur in Beguniapada. The polling authorities have informed about the incidents to the State Election Commission, seeking re-polling.Maoist ThreatSecurity has been tightened in Ganjam and Kandhamal following a two-day bandh call given by the Maoists. Protesting the recent arrest of six persons from Ganjam and Kandhamal bordering areas, the Ghumusar Maoist division has called for bandh on Thursday and Friday in both the districts.  Polling is scheduled in Maoist-hit Sorada and Belaguntha blocks and Phulbani, Phiringia and Khajuripada blocks in Kandhamal on Friday. Police said necessary security arrangements have been put in place for the polls and vehicles entering and exiting the districts are being frisked.