FIR against poll officials for rigging

JEHANABAD, (Bihar), APRIL 16. An FIR has been lodged against eight officials and four polling agents for rigging and misconduct during the second phase of panchayat elections in Jehanabad district yesterday, official sources said today.

The District Magistrate, Mr. Hukum Singh Meena, said all the 12 were caught while stamping ballot papers in favour of a candidate at a polling station at Surajpur village in Hulasganj block.

He said the police arrested Suresh Sharma, an activist of the banned Ranbir Sena, private militia of upper caste landlords, with two automatic rifles, one gun, six bombs and 65 rounds of ammunition from Nagma village under Hulasganj police station during the polling.

Besides, four members of underground People's War Group (PWG) were arrested in a raid at their hideout in Babthu village during the polling hours.

Policeman hurt in encounter

In Biharsharif, the officer in-charge of Bhaganbigha police station of Nalanda district, was seriously injured in an encounter with the supporters of a candidate for the panchayat election at Baburbanna village on Sunday night.

The incident occurred when a police team, led by the officer-in- charge, Mr. Sharad Kumar Yadav, was fired upon by the supporters of Mr. Pinku Yadav, a candidate for the post of Mukhiya of Khaja Etbarsarai in the district.

The police went to the village to arrest Mr. Pinku Yadav, who was wanted in connection with an incident of violence during the second phase of Panchayat elections in the State yesterday in which 12 persons were killed.

Some of Mr. Pinku Yadav's supporters were taken into custody after the encounter, but he managed to escape.

The injured officer was rushed to Patna Medical College Hospital in a critical condition, sources said.

- PTI

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