Lathi charge in Kishanganj leaves 25 injured during Bihar elections

• Violence erupts in Kishanganj as security forces resort to lathi charge at polling booth, leaving over 25 injured
• EC reports peaceful voting across Kishanganj despite initial disturbances, with voting proceeding smoothly after the incident
• Voter turnout averages at 21.68% across five LS constituencies participating in the second phase of elections in Bihar

Amidst the ongoing second phase of elections in Bihar's Kishanganj witnessed a bout of violence as security forces resorted to lathi charge at a polling booth in Shripur Mallahatoli, Baisi block. Over 25 individuals sustained injuries during the altercation.

The incident occurred when chaos erupted at the middle school Dengraha booth, with voters losing control amidst the voting process. Local residents engaged in an altercation with Central Paramilitary Force personnel who were attempting to maintain order and organize the queue. Subsequently, the security forces lathi-charged, triggering a stampede.

However, the Election Commission reported that voting remained peaceful across all booths in Kishanganj, following the incident at the Dengraha booth. Despite initial disturbances, the situation was brought under control, allowing voters to cast their ballots without further disruption.

As of 11 a.m., an average voter turnout of 21.68% was recorded across the five Lok Sabha constituencies participating in the elections, with Purnia witnessing the highest turnout at 25.9%, followed by Katihar at 22.65%, Kishanganj at 21.94%, Bhagalpur at 19.27%, and Banka at 18.5%.