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SAMBALPUR: Bargarh police on Thursday arrested the state secretary of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) - the youth wing of the BJP - Irasis Acharya in connection with the firing which took place at Bhatli BJP office in the district on June 1. The firing had claimed the life of a BJP worker.

The arrest of the youth leader triggered protest by the BJYM activists on the premises of the Bargarh Town police station.

Additional superintendent of police (ASP), Bargarh, Joshobanta Senapati said, "The firing had taken place at Irasis Acharya's house from where the BJP office of Bhatli was functioning.

"Irasis was brought to police station for interrogation in connection with the incident and later arrested after the interrogation," he said.

Based on the statement of one Pramod Podh, who is bodyguard of Irasis, and other evidences, Irasis was arrested, said Senapati. Irasis, who is considered the front-runner for getting BJP ticket for Bhatli assembly constituency, however, termed the arrest politically-motivated and said the arrest has been made at the behest of energy minister Susanta Singh, who represents Bhatli now.

"The BJD government, energy minister and police want to suppress the voice of the people. I have faith in the judiciary. The truth will come to fore," said Irasis.

"I was not present at Bhatli when the firing had taken place. I was in Bhubaneswar at that time. I told the details to police but they arrested me," said Irasis.

Energy minister Singh denied the allegations and said, "The firing incident had taken place in Irasis' house. He had been absconding since June 1. Police have taken action according to the law."

Police said a 20-year-old youth, Bulu Satnami, of Sohela died in the firing. Earlier, police had arrested two persons - Pramod Podh and Bablu Nag - in connection with the firing.

