5 of Thokiya gang held for influencing poll

Banda, Apr 15 (UNI) Five aides to dacoit Thokiya were today arrested near Bhami village, who were in the city to influence voters of Naraini assembly seat.

The miscreants were there to campaign for their kingpin's mother, Piyriya Devi, who is contesting the ongoing UP assembly poll on Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) ticket.

''Miscreants wanted to influence the free-polls. They open fired near Bhami village, but surrendered after being surrounded by us,'' Superintendent of Police K S Pratap Kumar said.

Rs 93,340 in cash, a jeep, three mobiles, a pistol and campaign material were recovered from the spot, Mr Kumar added.

A notice has been sent to Election Commission for a probe against the candidate, he said.

A reward of Rs 2,500 has been announced for the police team.

UNI