Additional security deployed in Udaypura

Raisen, MP, Mar 8 (UNI) Amid tight security arrangements, about 20 per cent of the 1.67 lakh electorate turned out to exercise their franchise in the first four hours for the assembly by-poll today in Udaypura constituency.

Barring stray incidents, polling was by and large peaceful. At Marhia Naka polling centre, BJP leader Pappu Tiwari's attempt to disrupt peace was foiled. The Collector and senior officers reached the spot, official sources said.

Despite claims that borders had been sealed, vehicles of about dozen legislators were seen moving freely in the constituency.

Eight political leaders, including three legislators Shubash Jain, Dharmu Rai and Arjun Palia, were forced to leave the constituency in the wee hours today.

Comprehensive security arrangements were in place with 5 CRPF companies, 3 SAF companies and about 400 police jawans deployed in the area. Initially 2 SAF companies had been depolyed, but later one SAF company was requisitioned from the state capital in view of security needs.

Vidisha BJP MP Rampal Singh and his wife and BJP candidate Shashi Prabha Singh cast their votes in Udaypura polling booth, while her main rival and Congress nominee Saheb Singh Patel exercised his franchise from Chandwara polling centre.

In Chhind polling booth, 30 per cent voter turnout was reported in the first two hours of polling when voter turnout in other polling centres was 8-10 per cent.

On the basis of a complaint, an inquiry by tahsildar Sanjay Kumar has been ordered, official sources said.

Of the total 186 polling centres, videography was being carried out at 27 sensitive polling booths.

Udaypura fell vacant due to Mr Singh's resignation following his election to the Lok Sabha in the bypoll from Vidisha, which was earlier held by Mr Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who quit after becoming Chief Minister.

UNI