Bomb explosion, shootouts reported in Bihar Monday, April 26 2004 10:17 Hrs (IST)
Patna:
Unidentified persons exploded a bomb and opened indiscriminate fire to intimidate voters at Damodarpur-Sikatia and Barwe in Chapra constituency where Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo Laloo Prasad Yadav is contesting against Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Rajiv Pratap Rudy.
However, no casualty was reported, official sources said.
Election office sources in Patna said an estimated 10 to 15 per cent voters exercised their franchise till 9.30 hrs (IST) in the 17 Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar.
Reports of anti-socials trying to grab booths in Harijantoli and Doriganj in Chapra were also received, sources said, adding prompt action was taken by the authorities to ensure smooth polling there.
The voting was delayed for some time due to defects in electronic voting machines (EVMs) at several booths in Chapra, Hajipur, Siwan, Maharajganj, Muzaffarpur and Bagaha. The machines were later rectified, sources said.