PATNA: The second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections in 62 constituencies on Wednesday was by and large peaceful. But the death of aperson at the hands of Border Security Force personnel near the Pakhauli booth in Raghopur, where the former Chief Minister, Rabri Devi, is seeking re-election, has snowballed into a controversy.

About 41 per cent of the 1.3-crore voters exercised their franchise. While the deferred election in seven constituencies will be held on October 29, the third and fourth phases are scheduled for November 13 and 19.

Governor Buta Singh, issued a notification for the final phase in 41 constituencies spread over five districts.

On the BSF shooting in the Raghopur constituency, Chief Secretary G.S. Kang and Director-General of Police Ashish Ranjan Sinha said they had directed the Vaishali district magistrate to order a magisterial enquiry into the death of Pappu Kumar. They declined to comment on the incident, which they described as a case of mistaken identity.

It is said the BSF personnel shot Pappu Kumar, mistaking him for a booth looter. But the villagers were up in arms saying he was innocent. A man with a religious bent of mind, he was returning after his daily bath in the Ganga, they claimed.

Rashtriya Janata Dal chief and Railway Minister Lalu Prasad demanded a judicial enquiry into the killing and action against the guilty security personnel.

Mr. Kang and Mr. Sinha were also apologetic about the behaviour of CRPF personnel at three booths in Munger. Election Commission advisor K.J. Rao found them drunk and suspended the polling process there. According to Mr. Kang, one CRPF official has been placed under suspension.

At Barsa village in the Sheikhpura constituency, the paramilitary forces intervened in a clash between two criminal gangs, injuring one of them. He has since been taken into custody. No other untoward incident was reported.

The police arrested 250 persons including Samajwadi Party candidate in Pranpur Md. Razza. Ramai Ram, RJD nominee in Bochaha, was detained for the day.

6,000 voters stay away

People boycotted the polling process at quite a few booths. Over 6,000 voters at Kabirpur in Bhagalpur district stayed away, in protest against a remark attributed to Mr. Rao.

The Chief Secretary declined to comment, saying he was not aware who made what comment.

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