Tuesday, February 15 2005 16:00 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna/Ranchi: An estimated 31 per cent of the electorate cast their votes in the second round of the Assembly polls in Bihar and Jharkhand till this afternoon with several persons, including a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan, injured in election-related violence, mostly in Bihar.

According to election department sources in the two States, 30 to 33 per cent votes were cast for the 82 seats in Bihar till 14:00 hrs (IST) where polls were being held, while in Jharkhand where election is being held in 29 seats, the percentage was 30 per cent till 13:00 hrs (IST).

In Bihar seventeen person, including two security personnel, were injured in attacks and bomb blasts while an Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) candidate's house was attacked. Smashing of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and group clashes were also reported from some of the constituencies, spread over 15 districts.

A series of bombs exploded close to booths near the main market area, Janaki nagar area, Gandhi chowk and at Milkhichak in Munger town in which six persons were injured, police and official sources said.

Another six persons were injured in a clash between supporters of two rival parties at a place in Kasba constituency in Purnea district, the sources said.

In Madhubani, anti-socials exploded bombs at a booth near Mominpur in which three persons were injured.

Two security men were injured following an altercation with voters at Bhagatpur Chowk in Munger town where police opened fire to foil a bid by criminals to grab a booth, the sources said.