28 per cent votes cast in Bihar by-polls

Voters boycotted polling at eight polling stations  -- four in Fulwari and two each in Begusarai and Munger -- protesting against lack of development, Additional Director General of Police (headquarters) Neelmani said.

The polling, which began on a dull note, gradually picked up with voters standing in queues before several polling stations.

An estimated 28 per cent votes were polled and no untoward incident was reported, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Anshumali said.

Central paramilitary force personnel kept vigil in 2,620 polling stations spread over Bagha, Nautan, Begusarai, Triveniganj, Simri Bakhtiarpur, Araria, Dhoraiya, Munger, Fulwari, Ghosi and Bodh Gaya.

Thirty-seven preventive arrests were made in the constituencies. Altogether 25,15,474 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise to decide the fate of 99 contestants, including nine women, in these constituencies.