Three persons were killed in an attack by Naxalites in Gaya district of Bihar during the first phase of election in the state on Thursday.

Several people were also injured in crude bomb blasts and armed clashes in some of the 64 constituencies where polling is in progress.

A havildar, a constable and a woman voter were gunned down by Communist Party of India (Maoist) Naxalites at booth number 167 in Sankarpur village of Imamganj constituency in Gaya, police said. The ultras also looted five rifles and ammunition from the security personnel.

• Naxal attack in Jharkhand kills 7

The banned group has given a poll boycott call in Bihar and neighbouring Jharkhand.

Officials said a woman was injured when supporters of two rival candidates exchanged fire at Khemchand Bigha booth in Nawada district. A bomb was also blasted at booth number 166 to intimidate voters.

Reports of gunfire also came from Ghosi and Gaya (Town) assembly constituencies though no  casualty was reported, the officials added.

Officials estimated the voter turnout to be about 18 to 20 per cent till 1230 IST.

The battle for three states