Date:24/02/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/02/24/stories/2005022407001100.htm

National

Mine blast in Jharkhand: constable killed

By D.P. Sharan

RANCHI, FEB. 23. The third and final phase of elections to 28 constituencies of Jharkhand ended today amidst incidents of violence. No casualties were reported during the polling hours today. However, a constable of the Special Task Force of the State Armed Police, Krishna Bahadur Thapa, was killed in a landmine blast last night. The Chief Electoral Officer of the State, A.K. Pandey, said the incident took place at Jhumra Pahar in Bokaro district. The number of casualties during the three phases of elections has reached eight.

Two other policemen, Parshuram Sharma and Gopalji, were injured in the blast.

During the polling, the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha candidate and sitting MLA, Prashant Kumar Mandal from Porayahat in Godda district was assaulted by Bharatiya Janata Party supporters. Two of his vehicles had been set on fire, police sources said. The CEO had sought a detailed report from the Deputy Commissioner of Godda.

The State police headquarters also confirmed that the BJP candidate from Rajmahal, Kamal Kishor Bhagat, was roughed up by the public for alleging that the polling officer was telling people to cast their votes against the BJP candidate.