Block Chairman poll: Threat calls alleged

DHENKANAL: Hours before the block chairman election on Sunday, the elected samiti members of Gondia block have alleged receiving life threat calls. They have sought security and protection to ensure free and fair election. In a letter to the State Election Commission, 14 samiti members said some vested interests had been in touch with them through their relatives and influencing them in favour of their candidates for chairman post. They have sought security to cast their votes in favour of their candidate.Sources said these candidates are out of the district and under the protection of NCP MLA Nabin Nanda and his supporters.Reports said violence had erupted during PRI election in Nihalprasad of Gondia block when Nanda was attacked and beaten up by opponents. Gondia and Dhenkanal Sadar police, however, denied receiving any such complaint in their police stations. Elaborate security arrangements would, however, be made in Gondia block during the chairman election, they added.