Thursday, February 3 2005 13:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Three persons were killed in an attack by naxalites in Gaya district of Bihar while several people were injured in crude bomb blasts and armed clashes in some of the 64 constituencies of the State where polling was in progress.

Electoral officials estimated the voter turnout at 18 to 20 per cent voter till 12:30 hrs (IST) today (Feb 03, 2005).

A havaldar, a constable and a woman voter were gunned down by CPI-Maoist (Communist Party of India) naxalites at booth number 167 in Sankarpur village of Imamaganj constituency in Gaya, police said.

The ultras also looted five rifles and ammunition from the security personnel posted at the booth.

The banned CPI-Maoist has given a poll boycott call in Bihar and neighbouring Jharkhand.

Officials said that a woman was injured when supporters of two rival candidates exchanged fire at Khemchand Bigha booth in Nawada district while a bomb was exploded at booth number 166 of the constituency to intimidate voters.

Gunfire was also witnessed in Ghosi and Gaya (Town) Assembly constituencies thought no casualty were reported, the officials added.