Naxal violence in second phase of Lok Sabha polls

NEW DELHI: Maoists struck with impunity trigerring landmines and indiscriminate firing in Jharkhand as polling for the second phase of elections to Lok Sabha got underway, even as moderate to brisk polling was reported from across 12 states.

Two poll officials were injured when the ultras exploded a bomb striking an official vehicle in Jharkhand's Giridh District, 190 kms from the capital Ranchi, while Left-wing extremists trigerred bombs and a landmine in East and West Singhbhum districts.

Another report quoting police sources said heavy firing between Maoists and security forces were reported at Basadera under Ghatsila police station bordering West Bengal.

Voting began on moderate to brisk note in 140 constituencies spread across 12 states in the second round of the five-phased elections and would end at 1700 hrs in most places, except in naxal-infested areas where it would close at 1500 hrs.

While Orissa registered 12 per cent of voting in the initial hours, Assam saw 20 per cent of turn out. Election to Andhra Pradesh and Orissa state Assemblies are being held simultaneously on Thursday.

Over 194 million voters are eligible to exercise their franchise today across 2 lakh polling stations set up by the Election Commission.

Tight security arrangements have been put in place, especially in naxal-infested states, to thwart any attempt by the ultras to disrupt the elections.