Patna under seige during poll times

<div class="section1"><div class="Normal">DANAPUR, Patna: In terms of police deployment, including Central paramilitary forces (CPMFs), Patna Urban and Patna Rural falling in Patna Lok Sabha (LS) constituency appeared to constitute two different worlds: one under siege, and another relatively free.<br /><br />As for the first, it was most apparent in Patna city (its East, Central and West segments of the constituency) as well as in Danapur, where barricading of roads and sealing of entry points of lanes leading to main roads were most visible.<br /><br />To cap it, patrolling by magistrates "on election duty" was to the extent hitherto not seen, while posses of menacing Commandos kept intercepting those moving on motorcycles, scooters and cars in the very first hour of the polling.Till late Monday night, the roads had presented a nearly normal look, but in the morning sudden appearance of men-in-uniform changed the colour and tone.<br /><br />Around 7.30 am, near the Bihar State Electricity Board (BSEB) headquarters, a contingent of Commandos looked particularly menacing. They stopped motorcycles and cars even of mediapersons despite their showing authority letters issued by the Election Commission.<br /><br />In Naubatpur, its block development officer Ajay Kumar Thakur was on duty as patrolling magistrate with a contingent of DAP. He also inspected booths. "I am on patrolling duty. We have sealed the block," he said. A barricade at Bihta prevented the entry of vehicles into Naubatpur.<br /><br />Incidentally, as the sun became more harsh in the sprawling, treeless countryside, there was no movement of people, except for voters towards the booths, or of those returning to their homes having cast their votes. The Commandos were not visible anywhere. At Maner, a contingent of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) waited for any eventuality.<br /><br /><formid=367815></formid=367815></div> </div>