1 killed in post-poll violence in Bihar, 2 arrested; internet shut

Police identified the man killed in the violence as 26-year-old Chandan Rai of Telpa, and the injured as Manoj Rai (40) and Guddu Rai (37). The injured have been admitted to Patna Medical College and Hospital.

According to a statement issued by the Saran district police, “An altercation broke out between supporters of the BJP and RJD over allegations of irregularities during polling that happened on Monday in the area, amid which shots were fired. One person, namely Chandan, was killed on the spot. Two others were injured. The condition of the injured is reported to be out of danger.”

“Police have so far arrested two persons in connection with the case… and recovered some weapons and cartridges from their possession. A manhunt has been launched to nab other accused,” the statement said, adding, internet services have been suspended in the district for two days.

Saran Additional Superintendent of Police Raj Kishore Singh said additional forces have been deployed as a preventive measure.

The incident invited sharp political reactions with RJD candidate Rohini Acharya (daughter of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad) and BJP candidate Rajiv Pratap Rudy, who is seeking reelection from the Saran Lok Sabha seat, trading charges over the incident.

The police said there had been tension between supporters of BJP and RJD soon after Acharya visited one of the booths during polling on Monday where she was allegedly humiliated by BJP supporters.

RJD leader and former minister Jitendra Rai accused the BJP workers of provoking violence. The complaint said the attack was unprovoked when around 50 RJD supporters had gone to the house of one Ramakant Solanki to lodge a protest against Monday’s incident at a polling booth where Acharya was present. Solanki and six others are named in the FIR.

Meanwhile Rudy said: “The firing was opened in self-defence after the house was attacked.”

After meeting the family of the injured persons in Patna, Acharya said, “The incident proves that BJP leaders are scared. It’s murder of democracy. My three party workers were shot and I want justice. Even during polling on Monday, there was a murderous attack on me. I just managed to escape.” RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav also condemned the incident, asserting that there is no place for violence in elections.