1 killed, 35 percent polling in Bihar polls

Patna--In the first phase of the Bihar elections, there was a 35 per cent turn out for the poll. The poll was peaceful amid small voilence here and there. A CPI (ML) supporter was shot dead and 13 arrested as an estimated 35 percent of 12.5 million voters exercised their franchise by noon in 57 assembly constituencies spread over 12 naxal-hit districts in the first of the four-phase Bihar polls. 

Musafir Paswan was killed at Kashibigha village in Warsaliganj constituency in Nawada district shortly before the polling started at 7.30 am, sources said. However, Director General of Police Ashish Ranjan Sinha told that the killing was not poll-related and the man was shot dead by a co-villager due to personal enmity.

Three RJD candidates and ten others were arrested on charges of breaking electronic voting machines (EVMs) and moving with weapons in violation of prohibitory orders in Govindpur, Deo and Obra Assembly constituencies in Bihar.

RJD candidate for Govindpur in Nawada district Sanjay Prabhat allegedly broke an EVM machine at a booth at Sighna village in the constituency and also opened fire to intimidate the voters, officials said.

The securitymen posted there took him into custody and also seized the weapon he was carrying.

Earlier, RJD candidate for Deo assembly seat in Aurangabad district Suresh Paswan and seven others were arrested while moving around in the constituency carrying a weapon in violation of prohibitory orders.

Superintendent of police (Aurangabad) Sushil Khopde told that Paswan, a Minister in the erstwhile Rabri Devi government, was going around with his men in a vehicle carrying a rifle and several rounds of ammunition.

Polling was cancelled, in accordance with an Election Commission directive, in four booths in Imamganj (reserved) constituency as security personnel did not arrive there on time, Gaya district magistrate-cum-district election officer Sandeep Poundrik said adding it would now be held there on 21st October along with voting in Gaya (town), Gaya (mufassil), Bodh Gaya and Belaganj seats.

Elections in four assembly seats in Gaya were deferred by the Election Commission to ensure enhanced mobility of central para-military forces in the naxalite-hit district.

Sources said there were reports of faults in electronic voting machines from some places which were promptly attended to.

Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Dipak Prasad said he had received a complaint that evm at booth no.179 in Jamui constituency blipped in front of the symbol of a particular party regardless of which button was pressed.

The complaint was being looked into and if need arose the machine would be replaced, he said.

DGP Sinha said polling was progressing smoothly and no untoward incident has been reported from anywhere.