Patna: In a major political development ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, Janata Dal (United) candidate and former MLA Anant Singh was arrested early Sunday morning for his alleged involvement in the killing of Jan Suraaj supporter Dularchand Yadav in Mokama, near Patna.
According to police officials, a team led by Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma reached Singh’s residence in Barh and took him into custody. The arrest follows days of speculation after Yadav’s death during a heated campaign clash. Singh, known for his controversial background, was immediately brought to Patna for interrogation.
Along with Singh, two others – Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram – who were allegedly present during the altercation, were also detained. All three accused are expected to be produced before a magistrate soon.
Political Tensions Rise in Mokama
The incident took place on Thursday during a poll campaign in Mokama, where Dularchand Yadav was canvassing for Jan Suraaj Party candidate Piyush Priyadarshi. According to reports, Yadav suffered multiple rib fractures and a ruptured lung following a violent clash. He later succumbed to his injuries, sparking outrage across political circles.
An autopsy later ruled out gunfire as the cause of death, concluding it was a result of a physical assault. The case has since evolved into a full-fledged murder Investigation, further intensifying the already charged political atmosphere in Bihar.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma and District Magistrate Thyagarajan S.M. confirmed: “Police have arrested three persons – Anant Singh, Manikant Thakur, and Ranjeet Ram – in connection with the murder of Dular Chand Yadav.”
He further added, “The post-mortem report and initial investigation confirm it is a case of murder linked to a political clash between rival supporters.”
Investigation Points to Political Rivalry
The police stated that the brawl broke out between followers of two contesting candidates during campaign activities in Mokama. Both factions lodged FIRs, and preliminary inquiries revealed that Anant Singh and his associates were present at the site of the altercation.
Piyush Priyadarshi, the Jan Suraaj Party candidate, welcomed the police action but criticized the delay. Speaking to ANI, he said, “This is a positive step, but the arrest should have happened earlier. After the complaint was filed, Singh continued campaigning with a 50-vehicle convoy. It’s better late than never, but we expect a fair and transparent investigation now.”
Singh, who has a history of criminal cases, has also been accused of violating the Model Code of Conduct by moving in large cavalcades and intimidating voters. His wife, Neelam Devi, currently represents the Mokama constituency in the Bihar Assembly.
Anant Singh Named in FIR
The case has seen multiple FIRs. Police have filed three complaints so far – one by Dularchand Yadav’s grandson, naming Anant Singh and four others as primary accused; another by the rival faction; and a third suo motu complaint by the investigating officers.
Singh, in his defense, has accused former MP Suraj Bhan Singh, the husband of RJD candidate Veena Devi, of orchestrating the attack. “Supporters of another candidate began raising slogans while we were meeting voters. I told my supporters not to react, but their group attacked our vehicles. Dular Chand tried to intervene – this entire game is being played by Suraj Bhan Singh,” claimed Anant Singh.
Election Commission Seeks Detailed Report
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a strong stance on the violence in Mokama. It has sought a detailed report from the District Election Officer regarding Yadav’s murder and the subsequent police action.
As part of disciplinary measures, the Commission has ordered the transfer of Patna SP (Rural) Vikram Sihag and initiated proceedings against three other officials. The poll body also directed the immediate replacement of two Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs) from Barh-1 and Barh-2 for administrative negligence.
Additionally, Abhishek Singh, SDPO of Barh-2, was suspended for failing to maintain law and order. The Election Commission emphasized that “any lapse during the election period that compromises peace and fairness will be dealt with strictly.”
Authorities Move to Restore Order
In a high-level review meeting held on Friday, Patna DM and SSP met with all contesting candidates and their representatives from the Mokama and Barh regions. They instructed officials to ensure that the Model Code of Conduct is strictly enforced and that campaign-related violence is prevented at all costs.
Officials have also been tasked with maintaining peace, especially as Bihar prepares for its two-phase polling scheduled for November 6 and 11. The final counting of votes will take place on November 14.
Background and Political Context
Anant Singh, once considered a strongman of Mokama, has a long history of criminal charges ranging from illegal arms possession to assault. Despite his controversial image, he remains a significant political figure in the region and enjoys loyal support among certain voter segments.
The Jan Suraaj Party, led by Prashant Kishor, has emerged as a strong third front in Bihar’s electoral landscape, challenging traditional political blocs such as the JD(U) and the RJD. The incident in Mokama has added fresh tension to an already heated campaign, highlighting the volatile mix of politics, rivalry, and muscle power in Bihar’s elections.
Conclusion: A Test for Bihar’s Political Accountability
The arrest of Anant Singh days before the polls underscores the Election Commission’s commitment to curb poll-related violence and maintain integrity in the electoral process. However, the case also brings into focus Bihar’s long-standing struggle with criminalization of politics, where law enforcement and political power often collide.
As investigations continue, both the JD(U) and the Jan Suraaj Party have stepped up their campaigns, each claiming moral high ground. With polling dates fast approaching, the political stakes in Mokama – and indeed across Bihar – have never been higher.
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