Akali Dal leader killed; INC, SAD workers clash
Polling in Punjab was marred by killing of Akali leader and clashes between Congress and SAD workers in Patiala.
Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) leader Jagpal Singh Sohali was shot dead by some unidentified gunmen in Ludhiana and at least 10 activists of ruling Congress and rivals Shiromani Akali Dal were injured in a clash at a polling booth in Khang village in Patiala.
Sohali, a resident of village Sohali village was shot dead by car-borne gunmen when he was on way to cast his vote in his car, they said.
He was a former Secretary of the SAD (Mann) and had joined the Badal faction recently.
INC, SAD workers clash in Patiala, 10 injured
At least 10 activists of ruling Congress and rivals Shiromani Akali Dal were on Monday injured in a clash at a polling booth in Khang village in Patiala Lok Sabha constituency. The workers used swords in the clash, officials said.
Police, however, dispersed the workers and brought the situation under control soon. Polling continued at the booth without any disturbance, they said.
12 per cent cast their vote in Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh
Nearly 12 per cent voting was reported in the first three hours of polling in Punjab and Haryana and the lone Lok Sabha seat of Chandigarh.
SAD leader Jagpal Singh Sohali was shot dead by two gunmen in Sudhar police station area of Ludhiana in Punjab. Police said it had identified one of the assailants.
Another SAD worker was allegedly attacked by some persons in Shutrana area of Patiala Lok Sabha constituency.
A Polling Officer was thrashed allegedly by the supporters of a Congress Minister in Konkpur village in Naggal assembly segment of Ambala in Haryana.
Prominent among those who had cast their vote in the first three hours of polling included SAD supremo Parkash Singh Badal and his son and party candidate from Faridkot Lok Sabha constituency Sukhbir Singh Badal. Both cast their votes in their native village Badal in the Lambi Assembly segment of Faridkot.
Punjab Chief Minister's wife and Congress candidate from Patiala Lok Sabha constituency Preneet Kaur also cast her vote from Patiala this morning.
Elections are being held in 23 constituencies in the two states and the Chandigarh seat in the last phase of the elections on Monday.