Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The second phase of panchayat polls held in the state was marred by violent incidents at different places on Friday. The voting was held at 23,967 polling centres in 7655 gram panchayats across the state till 3pm.
A dispute between two groups occurred in Torah gram panchayat of Panna district regarding fake voting. Following which supporters of district panchayat member candidate attacked with sticks in which four people sustained injuries.
The injured were identified as Ram Niwas Pathak (45), Thakur Prasad Pathak (72), Kailas Kori (38), Amit Pathak (25), residents of Torah village. Among the injured persons were the candidates’ agent and two were voters. On getting the information, a heavy police force along with Panna Collector and SP reached the spot. The injured were admitted to the Community Health Centre, Amanganj. Later, the police arrested the accused from their house.
In another incident, there was a scuffle between the supporters of the candidates for the post of Sarpanch at Rani Virangba polling centre of Bhind district. Several people opened fire as well. According to reports, five people sustained injuries in the incident. On getting the information about the incident, the district collector and SP reached the spot.
In Rewa district, two groups clashed in Tiwani village of Mangawan area regarding fake voting. According to reports, the candidate had a bouncer along with him. It was alleged that he closed the door of the polling booth and tried to cast fake votes.
Similarly, supporters of two candidates clashed with each other during voting in Amiliha, Dongartola, Gram Panchayat, Anuppur. Many people were injured in the incident. Heavy police force reached the spot and pacified the matter.
In Damoh district, the villagers allege that the police personnel misbehaved with the voters at polling centre 158, Rampura Gram Panchayat. Following which, the heated locals boycotted the voting in the locality.
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