Bhubaneswar: BJP nominee for Berhampur Lok Sabha constituency, Pradeep Panigrahy, was allegedly assaulted by an MLA candidate during the first phase polls in Odisha today.

Former Berhampur mayor Siba Shankar Das aka Pintu, who is now trying his luck as an independent nominee from Berhampur Assembly seat, allegedly attacked Panigrahy near a booth at Gosani Nuagaon while the polling was underway.

The incident took place while Panigrahy was discussing some issues with the police officials deployed at booth no. 133 and 134 at Gosani Nuagaon.

Das allegedly attacked Panigrahy in the presence of police personnel after a brief argument between the duo near the booth. Panigrahy reportedly sustained injuries on his chest and neck in the incident.

The BJP leader was rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital.

Soon after the incident, supporters of both Panigrahy and Das gheraoed the Gosani Nuagaon police station.

In a related development, the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) moved the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Odisha, seeking action against the BJP workers allegedly involved in poll violence in Gopalpur Assembly constituency in Ganjam district.

In its petition before the CEO, the BJD alleged that some BJP workers attacked at least three ruling party supporters and snatched away their gold chains and rings in Golantara area under Gopalpur segment during the polls.