Provide adequate security to Swain: DGP to SPs

The Odisha DGP ordered the SPs to provide adequate security to former MP and Utkal Bharat party president, Kharabela Swain during his public meetings in their respective districts, officials said Monday.

The Director General of Police R P Sharma said all the Superintendent of Police have been asked to provide foolproof security to the former Lok Sabha MP during his scheduled public meetings in their respective districts across the state.

Sharma had said acting on the directive of the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the Crime Branch is conducting a thorough investigation into the alleged attack on Swain in Rayagada district on Saturday to ascertain the reason behind it.

Attacks made on Swain in Kendrapara and Balasore districts are also likely to be brought under the purview of investigation to ascertain whether there was any conspiracy, the DGP said.

Meanwhile, one more person was arrested Monday in connection with the alleged attack on Swain when he was addressing a street corner meeting at Kashipur in Rayagada district, a senior police official said.

Another accused was earlier arrested on Sunday for the attack, while another accused is at large.

Additional Director General of Crime Branch, Santosh Upadhyaya said the motive and the group with whom the accused are associated can be ascertained only after a thorough probe.