Khorda: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers staged a protest in front of Sub-Collector office here against the arrest of Prashant Jagdev, the party's candidate from Khorda Assembly constituency. They have demanded the unconditional release of Jagdev saying his arrest is a conspiracy by Biju Janata Dal.

Jagdev was arrested on charges of attempts to damage an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) during third phase of polling for the Odisha Assembly elections Saturday. Shortly after the incident, police detained Jagdev from Begunia from where he was taken to the Bolagarh police station. 

Jagdev had staged a demonstration at the police station demanding an inspection of CCTV camera footage of the Kaunripatna booth. However, police ignored his demands and kept him in reserve police camp before sending him to jail late Saturday night.

BJP has said that Chilika MLA Jagdev's arrest is a conspiracy by the ruling party. BJP also said that he was arrested without any FIR or investigation and questioned their actions. In protest, they have surrounded the Sub-Collector office. 

They have also warned that if not released, they will block the national highway and then go for Khorda bandh. BJP has demanded to make the booth's CCTV footage public. 

Read more: Election news