Thursday, February 3 2005 17:46 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Nearly 55 per cent of the electorate today (Feb 3, 2005) exercised their franchise for the 178 Assembly constituencies in Haryana, Bihar and Jharkhand where 19 people were killed in Naxalite and poll-related violence.

In the first elections in Jharkhand, where polling was held in 24 constituencies in the first round of three-phased elections, Naxalites triggered a landmine blast killing six policemen and the driver of a vehicle.

More than 50 per cent voters cast their ballots.

Four Naxalites were killed when they attempted to disrupt the polling in Dandila in Hussainabad constituency in Palamu district. Their bodies were taken away by their colleagues, police said.

In Bihar, which registered about 55 per cent voting in 64 constituencies, which went to polls in the first phase, seven persons, including three women and two homeguards, were killed and several injured in attacks by Naxalites, clashes and crude bomb explosions.

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

An estimated 60 per cent of the 1.27 crore electorate in Haryana cast their vote for the 90 member Assembly in polling which was by and large peaceful barring minor clashes in which the driver of a candidate was shot dead in Barwala constituency.