Friday, October 21 2005 20:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bijnore (UP): A day after violence in village Daranagar Ganj here during Panchayat polls, people today (Oct 21, 20-05) fled to neighbouring areas fearing fresh attacks even as police and PAC were deployed in strength to maintain law and order.

State minister and local Rashtriya Janata Dal (RLD) MLA Swami Omvesh, whose supporters have been accused of launching a 'planned attack' to terrify BSP supporters in the village, and BSP leader R K Singh have been barred from entering the area by the state election commission which has ordered a repoll in the constituency on October 23, official sources said today.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLA from neighbouring Nagina Om Wati, who is camping in the village, alleged that supporters of Swami Omvesh had attacked and terrorised BSP voters forcing them to flee the village.

Supporters of rival candidates fought pitched battles and indulged in heavy brickbatting in the village during the third round of Panchayat elections yesterday, prompting police to open lathi-charge and fire in the air to control the situation, the sources said.

Some huts were set ablaze and several persons, including policemen injured in the violence, they said adding one of the seriously injured person was rushed to Meerut Medical College Hospital.

Meanwhile, Principal Secretary, Home Alok Sinha said in n Lucknow 13 policemen, including Superintendent of Police Umanath Singh had received injuries in the violence.

As many as 11 people were arrested from the spot and a case registered with Kotwali police, Sinha said adding senior officials were trying to establish direct contact with the villagers to normalise the situation.