Jharkhand Assembly Polls: 62.40 % voter turnout recorded in phase 2

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The Second Phase of Elections to Jharkhand Legislative Assembly recorded  approx 63% voter turnout on Saturday till 5 pm. The election took place in 20 Assembly Constituencies (ACs).

Polling was accordingly held in seven districts namely East Singhbhum, Seraikella-Kharsawan, West Singhbhum, Ranchi, Khunti, Gumla and Simdega.

As per Election Commission, 18 of the 20 ACs were naxal affected. 4,478 out of 6,066 polling stations (more than 73%) were categorized as critical; adequate security arrangements were made at these polling stations.

This phase covered 48,25,038 voters, including 10,492 service voters and 62,565 PwD voters. 260 Candidates including 29 female candidates are in fray. Total value of seizures across the State till today was recorded at Rs 16 Crore.

Phase 2 of the Jharkhand polls witnessed few incidents. At around 9.30 AM, a scuffle broke out between RPF deployed at PS-36, Sisai AC, Gumla District and few villagers. As per report , few villagers tried to overpower a jawan and snatch his weapon. In the ensuing incidence  villagers started stone pelting on jawans who then opened fire.  In the incidence one Jilani Ansari (resident of Baghni) died due to bullet injury, while two other villagers sustained injury. Police officials from district police as well as RPF too got injuries. Repoll is being ordered. 

One arson incident happened in 52-Chaibasa when a bus engaged for facilitating transport of voters to relocated booth of 84- Primary School Jojohatu-1 to Middle School Pandavir. No injury reported. 

In evening Naxals opened fire on one polling team returning back in Adki Block in Tamar AC of Khunti District. Search and rescue operations are on.