Fair turnout in Bihar, Jharkhand polls

An Indian policeman (C) thrashes an alleged false voter with his stick as the voter asserts his innocence in Ranchi yesterday during the second stages of state elections. Voting was brisk in seven Jharkhand districts where 456 candidates including Chief Minister Arjun Munda are in the fray for 29 legislative seats in the second phase of elections in the insurgency-prone mountainous state. PHOTO: AFP

According to election department sources, 30 to 33 per cent votes were cast in the 82 seats in Bihar till 2 pm while in Jharkhand where elections were being held in 29 seats, the percentage was 30 per cent till 1 pm.

In Bihar 18 persons, including two security personnel, were injured in attacks and bomb blasts while an LJP candidate's house was attacked. Smashing of EVMs and clashes were also reported from some of the constituencies, spread over 15 districts.

A series of bombs exploded close to booths near the main market area in Munger town in which six persons were injured, police and official sources said.

Another six persons were injured in a clash between supporters of two rival parties at a place in Kasba constituency in Purnea district, the sources said.

In Madhubani, anti-socials exploded bombs at a booth near Mominpur in which three persons were injured.

Two securitymen were injured following an altercation with voters at Bhagatpur Chowk in Munger town where police opened fire to foil a bid by criminals to grab a booth, the sources said.

Police commandos patrolled in helicopters during voting in crime-ridden Bihar, where 1,000 politicians were contesting 82 seats in the staggered state assembly polls.

Police opened fire to chase away suspected Maoist guerrillas in Munger but no one was injured, the spokesman said.

Police in Bihar have been authorised to open fire if mobs try to grab ballot boxes or destroy voting machines, The 114-kilometre (70-mile) border with Nepal has been sealed to prevent the entry of Maoist guerrillas from the Himalayan kingdom.