Manipur Congress Candidate Arrested For Assaulting Poll Official, Released

Manipur Polls: Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has decried the action against the party candidate as a "murder of democracy".

High drama was witnessed as a Congress candidate was arrested for allegedly assaulting an on-duty polling personnel during the first phase of Manipur assembly elections, and later released on bail.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has decried the action against party candidate Lamtinthang Haokip in Saitu constituency of Kangpokpi district as a "murder of democracy" by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh.

A case has been registered against Mr Haokip for various offences including "common intention for assault to public servant from discharging duty" based on a complaint filed with Imphal police station by the presiding officer of the New Keithelmanbi polling station, whom the candidate had allegedly assaulted.

He was arrested on Monday morning while polling was underway and released on bail after midnight.