15 killed in panchayat polling in Bihar

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

Reports here said five people were killed in poll violence in Nawada district, three each in Vaishali and Saran districts, two in Gaya district and one each at Samastipur and Saharsa. Several were injured in clashes during the polling.

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

A report from Chapra quoting Commissioner, Tirhut range, K P Rammaiya said three people, including a woman, were killed on the spot and four injured when some anti-socials opened indiscriminate firing at polling booth number 294 in Vishunpurakala villaage of Ekma block. The deceased had been identified.

A report from Hajipur quoting police sources 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 in Vaishali district.

Gaya District Magistrate Sandeep Pondrik said two people were killed in Mahuagaiyn village under Vazirganj police station following exchange of firing between rival groups.

According to a report from Saharsa one person was killed in a group clash at Nawhatta block. The clash took place when the rival groups were trying to capture the polling booths.

Meanwhile, a youth was killed when police opened fire to prevent booth capturing at Mohanpur block of Samastipur district.

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