Policeman killed in Assam's Kokrajhar in poll violence

A policeman was killed on Thursday while another was injured when a mob tried to capture a poll booth in Kokrajhar Parliamentary seat of Assam, leading BSF personnel to open fire.

In view of the violence, polling has been stopped at five polling booths even as a contingent of police and BSF personnel have been rushed to the area. Officials said a Border Security Force (BSF) platoon deployed in village Balapra and Harbhanga for poll security duties opened fire to save election officials and police personnel after a group of 40 people tried to capture a booth.

"A total of ten rounds have been fired. While one policeman has been killed another is seriously injured after they were attacked by the mob," a senior official said. Officials said a strong mob of about 40 people attacked the policeman deployed for poll security duties, killing one policeman.

A BSF party positioned nearby immediately swung into action and ensured the retreat of the unidentified attackers. Two INSAS rifles, of the killed and injured policeman, have also been looted. Polling in underway in six Lok Sabha seats in Assam on Thursday.

Also Read: In Assam’s Kokrajhar, the ballot battles the bullet