Voting held amid incidents of violence in Pratapgarh
PRAYAGRAJ : Several incidents of violence were reported from across Pratapgarh district during the second phase of the four phased Uttar Pradesh panchayat polls on Monday.
Till 5 pm, 52.14 percent voters had cast their votes in the district, said the officials concerned. Voting was held from 7 am to 6 pm during which over 26.40 lakh voters were eligible to exercise their franchise at 3,768 polling booths across the district.
Pratapgarh district election officer Nitin Bansal said all efforts were made to ensure free and fair panchayat polls in the district. Strict action was taken against the non-social elements who tried to disrupt peaceful polling process, he added.
At a polling booth in Pureli Makhdumpur in Babaganj block, supporters of two panchayat poll candidates clashed over allegations of fake voting. The supporters of one group fled with ballot papers there following which an additional police force was rushed there to restore order. Police later recovered the ballet papers from the house of one Monu who is brother-in-law of a woman candidate contesting for the post of village head. Monu his brother Sonu and some others were arrested in this connection. The voting was disrupted following the incident. Tehsildar Ramjanam said case will be lodged in this connection.
Tension prevailed at Khadwa polling booth in Lalganj area where supporters of a candidate attacked cops and damaged vehicle of sector magistrate over allegations of fake voting. Police baton charged the miscreants and rescued polling officials.
Similar situation prevailed at polling booth at Sarai Majuari in Mangraura Block where supporters of an aspirant poured water in ballot box after failed attempts to capture polling booth. Police resorted to cane charge to restore order.
At the polling booth in Bariawa village of Kalakakar area, miscreants set a ballot box on fire over allegations that polling officials were helping a particular candidate. A polling official was assaulted over the same allegations at a polling booth in Bhagwatiganj village.