Polling begins in three LS seats in Bihar amid tight security

Polling began in Pataliputra, Patna Saheb and Nalanda Lok Sabha seats at 7 am today in the fourth and final phase in Bihar amid tight security and shoot at sight orders.

Prominent candidates in the fray today are RJD president and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad (Pataliputra), BJP's actor-turned-politician Shatrughan Sinha and TV star Shekhar Suman of Congress (Patna Saheb).

''The polling is reported to be peaceful with para-military personnel guarding the booths,'' Additional Director General of Police (Headquarters) Neelmani said.

Central Para Military Forces (CPMF) comprising jawans of ITBP, CRPF, BSF, Bihar Military Police and District Armed Police were seen guarding the polling stations and patrolling the roads in the three constituencies.

Aerial patrolling is being conducted in naxal-affected areas and mounted police and security personnel are patrolling the riverine areas in mechanised boats, official sources said.

The borders of Patna district have been sealed to prevent entry of anti-socials, the sources said adding about 1,000 digital cameras have been installed and 1,050 micro observors deployed to keep a tab on trouble makers.