11 killed in panchayat polling in Bihar

Patna, May 15 (UNI) At least eleven people were killed and several injured in group clashes and other violent incidents in Bihar during the first phase of Panchayat elections.

In Nawada district five people were killed and six injured at Shekhodeora and Kewali villages under Kouakol block during a shoot-out between rival groups. Both the groups were trying to capture booths, police said.

They said three people were shot dead while two others, including a circle officer, were injured in a group clash at a polling booth in Majhauli village under Vaishali police station area of Vaishali district.

In Gaya district two people were killed at Mahuagaiyn village when rival groups exchanged fire in their bid to capture booth Nos.257 and 258.

Confirming the incident Gaya District Magistrate Sandeep Pondrik said apart from this incident, polling in other areas of the district was going on peacefully.

Meanwhile, a youth was killed in police firing at Mohanpur block of Samastipur district during polling. He was trying to capture the booth along with other anti-socials. Seven people were injured in different parts of Samastipur district in group clashes and other poll related violence.

Altogether 15 people, including a candidate for the Mukhiya's post, were arrested from various areas on charges of intimidating voters.

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