Patna, Oct 21 (PTI): Amid tight security, an estimated 36 per cent of electorate cast their ballots till 1400 hrs today in 47 of Bihar's 243 Assembly constituencies in the first phase of polling which was by-and-large peaceful with police arresting 150 people.
The Commissioner of Purnia division along with Special Task Force commandos conducted aerial patrol in two helicopters over the eight districts where polling was held, Director General of Police Neelmani said. "Voting is totally peaceful," the DGP said.
He said that 150 people were arrested on charges of electoral malpractices and for trying to disturb peace.
While 85 per cent of booths were being manned by central paramilitary forces and armed police from other states, the remaining were being guarded by the Bihar Military Police, the DGP said.
A bomb exploded outside a booth at Laukha in Madhubani district, but there was no injury, police sources said.
