Patna: Eight persons were killed and at least 30 others injured in violence in the first phase of Panchayat elections in Bihar on Monday.
The polls were being held in 60 blocks of 38 districts for the second time in 27 years.
Five persons were killed and six injured in Nawada district in clashes between supporters of rival candidates, official sources said.
The violence took place at various booths, including in Kauwa Kol, Karma, Pali and Sherpur Panchayats.
Another person was reported killed at Dirba village in the Nauhata police station area of Saharsa district, police said.
One more death was reported from Magauna village in Gaya district. Two others were also injured in the clash between two groups outside a polling booth, said Superintendent of Police Amit Jain.
A candidate for the post of Mukhiya (Headman), Binod Bihari Yadav, and his two supporters were arrested in connection with the clash, he added.
Meanwhile, there were reports of an exchange of fire between security forces and Naxalites at Echua village in the Wazirganj police station area of Gaya district.
The police foiled the Naxalites' plans to disrupt polling, the SP said.
Another death was reported from Manjhauli Panchayat in Vaishali district, police said. Four others were injured.
After the incident, the villagers damaged the official vehicle of the Circle Officer.
Violence was also reported from East Champaran district, where 14 people were reportedly injured. Two others were hurt in Bhojpur district.
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