Samastipur, May 24: Rail services under Samastipur-Barauni section under Sonepur railway division were severely affected after supporters of defeated mukhiya candidate Arjun Sahani demonstrated near Lakhani village from 9am to 2pm.

The demonstrators demanded recounting of votes at Maheshpatti panchayat under Ujiyarpur police station. Around 300 supporters of Sahani reached the railway level crossing number 48 (C) and stopped trains.

Mohammed Hafijul was declared the winner from Maheshpatti panchayat. He defeated his nearest rival Sahani by 62 votes. The counting of Maheshpatti panchayat was done two days ago.

The result was declared here two days ago, but no complaint was registered.

Today’s demonstration delayed many trains, including Delhi-bound (2553) Vaishali Super Fast Express. Passengers at various stations had to wait for more than five hours.

District magistrate (DM) Kundan Kumar and superintendent of police (SP) Baljit Singh reached at the spot, after which the situation was brought under control.

The protesters were pacified and assured of action according to the law.

Kumar told The Telegraph: “Once the candidate has been declared the winner by more than nine votes, recounting is not possible according to the directives of the state election commission. In case of Maheshpatti panchayat, Sahani has been thrashed by his nearest rival by 62 votes. Thus, the question of recounting does not arise. Moreover, two days have passed after the results were declared, and this is the first time his (Sahani’s) supporters have come out to protest.”

Sources said the district administration assured the protesters that they would talk to the state election commission so that recounting could be carried out.

The SP said a video recording of the protest has been done. “After studying the recording, an FIR would be lodged against the ones who are recognised and legal actions would be taken against them,” Singh added.