India: Maoists 'contest' rural polls in Bihar

14.4.16

satp.org: Bhim Singh, who is contesting for Basmatta Panchayat mukhiya (head of the village level local self government institution) in Belhar, Banka, was among the candidates threatened. Former Banka Superintendent of Police (SP) Satya Prakash said fighting against Bhim was Kamli Devi, mother of Maoist Balgovind Yadav. "After being threatened by the “partymen”, I decided to withdraw from the polls," said Bhim. "But then Police officers in the District assured me of security and assigned men for me so I will contest." Prakash, who recently handed over charge to Rajeev Ranjan, added: "We have intelligence information that several candidates in Basmatta were frightened after Kamli Devi jumped into the poll fray.