Photo: Lingaraj Panda

BURNING ISSUE: Lathi-wielding supporters of newly-elected block chairman of Sanakhemundi Ramesh Jena put up a road block near veterinary hospital in Berhampur on Monday. —

BERHAMPUR: Tenison prevailed in the city when police took away recently-elected chairman of Sanakhemundi block, Ramesh Jena for questioning on Monday afternoon.

Although he was booked under National Security Act (NSA) in the past he has no case pending with police against him now.

According to Berhampur Superintendent of Police (SP), Dayal Gangwar, he was just brought for questioning regarding involvement of some persons related to him in an old case.

"He was also reprimanded not to get involved in any criminal activity within city limits," Gangwar added.

But Mr. Jena's supporters used the occasion as a show of strength. Lathi-wielding angry mob, which included mostly teenagers and a group of women, blocked the National Highway number 217 passing through the city near Gate Bazar burning old tires. They also closed all shops in the area.

The road blockade was lifted in the evening only after Jena came out of Town police station.

Mr. Jena is alleged to be a mafia don of the district who donned the grab of a politician during recent panchayat election. He managed to get elected to the Sanakhemundi panchayat samity uncontested from the Kankorada panchayat.

On Sunday he got elected as the chairman of the Sanakhemundi block through indirect election.

Allegations denied

Mr Jena denied allegation of criminal activities against him and alleged that some political leaders were trying to malign him.

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