Maoists blast land mine, brisk voting in Bihar

Patna : Maoists triggered a land mine blast to scare away voters even as 17 to 18 per cent of about 10 million electorate cast ballots within the first three hours of Bihar’s fourth phase polling for 42 Assembly constituencies and the by-poll for Banka Lok Sabha seat which began on Monday morning amid multi-pronged security arrangements.

Director General of Police Neelmani said the extremists had detonated the land mine near a bridge on the Chakai-Jamui main road in Betia jungle and lobbed four powerful bombs near booth No.56 and 57 at Danapur, but there had been no report of casualty in any of the incidents.

The ultras made quick retreat immediately after the security forces rushed to the scene of crime.

Technical sang in electronic voting machines was reported from some booths in Bhagalpur and Banka districts.

But they were either replaced or mended by the election officials.

Altogether 568 candidates, including 58 women, are contesting the polls being held in eight districts.