Thursday, February 17 2005 13:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Cracking down on the absconders contesting the Assembly polls in Bihar, the State authorities ordered immediate arrest of senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Minister Shiv Shankar Yadav and Janata Dal-United (JD-U) leader Anand Mohan.

FIRs were also lodged against two more RJD ministers Shakuni Choudhury and Ravindra Charan Yadav charging them with electoral malpractices, including booth-capturing.

Police Superintendent (Siwan) Ratna Sanjay today (Feb 17, 2005) said that he had ordered execution of a non-bailable arrest warrant against Agriculture Minister and RJD nominee for Darauli Shiv Shankar Yadav issued by a local court in August last year (2004).

Yadav was charged with snatching the rifle of Communist Party of India Marxist-Leninist (CPI-ML) leader Amarnath Yadav, he said, adding Yadav's bodyguards too were withdrawn.

Official sources said an FIR was registered against State Industry Minister and RJD candidate for Uda Kishunganj Assembly constituency in Madhepura district for allegedly indulging in booth-capturing and intimidation of voters at booth No 100 during the second phase polling on February 15.

The investigation was in progress, sources said.

Another FIR was lodged against Health Minister and RJD candidate for Tarapur, Shakuni Choudhury for allegedly indulging in a scuffle with JD-U activists in his constituency.

Meanwhile, Saran SP Shobha Ohatkar has recommended transfer of two prisoners - Manoranjan Prasad Singh alias Dhumal Singh and Tarkeshwar Singh (MLAs from Chapra and Masrak respectively) from Chapra jail to any other jail of the State to ensure free and fair poll.