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44 per cent voting during third phase of polls in Bihar

     Patna: About 44 per cent out of 1.17 crore voters cast their votes in the third phase of the four-phased Assembly elections in Bihar, which passed almost peacefully. No untoward incidents were reported from anywhere, state Home Secretary H C Sirohi said. Around 50 people, including state BSP General Secretary and two party candidates, were taken into custody for moving around in their respective constituencies in violation of propitiatory orders, official sources said. People started pouring in at the booths with great enthusiasm this morning in the 57 assembly constituencies in eleven districts of Bihar amidst very tight security. KJ Rao, Special Adviser to the Election Commission made rounds of different constituencies by helicopter.

    Meanwhile, JD (U) candidate from Kesaria constituency Raju Singh was reportedly arrested on charges of violation of model code of conduct. Also, son of LJP candidate from Shikarpur constituency Munilal Ram had been taken into custody on charges of distributing money among voters. Elaborate security arrangements were made in the state to ensure free and fair voting. Besides blocking the State's borders with West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh, the Indo-Nepal International border also were sealed to ensure that Maoists and Naxalites do not make forays. Two RJD leaders, M A A Fatmi, Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development, and Rana Randhir contesting for Madhuban Assembly seats were arrested last night for allegedly violating the model code of conduct.

     The Election Commission has postponed the polls in fifteen constituencies - Lauria, Chanpatia, Bettiah, Nautan, Sugauli, Motihari, Harsiddhi, Gobindganj, Runni Saidpur, Belsand, Sitamarhi, Bisfi, Madhubani, Pandaul and Jhanjharpur - which were to go to the polls today. Polling at these places will be held on November 16. The EC deferred polling in these places for security reasons apprehending disturbances by Naxalites. The first and second phases of voting in the state took place on October 18 and 26 respectively, while fourth and the last phase will be held on November 19. Counting of votes in all the constituencies will be taken up on November 22, and the election process has to be completed by November 23.