News Desk: Voting for the Jharkhand Municipal Corporation elections concluded on Monday with a provisional turnout of 61.44%, with officials indicating the final figure may rise after complete data reconciliation.
The polling process remained largely peaceful across the state, though sporadic incidents of tension and disruption were reported at a handful of booths, keeping security agencies vigilant.
Clash in Dhanbad Raises Tension
In Dhanbad, a dispute at Booth No. 8 under Ward 35 quickly escalated into violence. Supporters of rival camps engaged in a fierce scuffle that soon turned into stone-pelting. Eyewitnesses alleged that some individuals even waved swords, sharply heightening tensions.
At least four persons were injured in the clash and admitted to a nearby hospital. One of the injured youths is said to be associated with the Singh Mansion faction. Officials said the situation is now under control but remains under watch.
Trouble Spots in Chas
In Chas, unrest surfaced in Ward 12 (Bhojpur Colony) over allegations of bogus voting. Police detained three suspected women and used mild force to disperse the agitated crowd. In another incident in Ward 32, SDPO Praveen Kumar Singh was injured after being attacked while on duty; the main accused was immediately taken into custody.
Bokaro Superintendent of Police Harvinder Singh issued a stern warning that any attempt to derail the democratic process would invite strict legal action. Cases have been registered and investigations are in progress.
Urban Turnout Remains Tepid
In Bokaro district, polling wrapped up in Chas Municipal Corporation and Phusro Nagar Parishad, but the overall urban response remained lukewarm. As per figures available till 7 pm, Chas recorded 50.83% turnout, while Phusro fared better at 58.37%.
District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha voiced concern over the muted participation of urban voters, noting that active involvement of educated city residents is essential for a vibrant democracy. Chas had recorded 53.30% turnout in the 2015 civic polls, making this year’s dip a point of review for the administration.
Polling Snapshot
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Total polling stations: 201
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Chas Municipal Corporation: 136
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Phusro Nagar Parishad: 65
The main Chas market remained shut throughout polling hours. As part of the security grid, 11 border routes, including the Garaga Bridge road, were sealed, resulting in traffic snarls and inconvenience to commuters.
Voter List Complaints Surface
Several voters complained that their names were missing from booth registers despite appearing in the online electoral roll, raising fresh concerns over roll management.
Officials confirmed that all ballot boxes have been safely secured at the counting centre set up at the Chas Market Committee premises under tight security. Counting is scheduled for May 27, when the fate of candidates will be sealed.
(Turnout figures are provisional and subject to revision.)
