Patna, May 21 (IANS) A candidate in the Bihar panchayat polls was allegedly raped and murdered here Saturday, police said. Three people have been arrested.

 
 The body of Rekha Devi, 30, was found Saturday in a field in Lahariyachak near Patna's Phulwarisharief, according to the police.
 
 Police suspect political rivalry as a possible motive behind the murder.
 
 Polling in five districts was postponed due to the fear of Maoist violence.
 
 The multi-phased polls for 262,000 panchayat posts in 37 districts of Bihar will end with vote counting May 28.