In a significant development amid rising political tensions ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Patna Police arrested controversial former MLA and JD(U) candidate from Mokama, Anant Singh, early on Sunday morning. The arrest is linked to the murder of Dularchand Yadav, a worker associated with the Jan Suraaj Party, which occurred during election campaigning on Thursday in Mokama, near Patna.
The operation was personally overseen by Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma. A police team reached Singh's residence in Barh, a town in the Patna district, in the early hours of Sunday. After initial formalities, Singh was taken into custody and subsequently transported to Patna for detailed questioning. Singh had been under close surveillance by the authorities ever since the incident, particularly due to reports of a recent clash between Yadav and individuals believed to be Singh's sympathisers in the Mokama area.
In addition to Singh, the police apprehended two other individuals—Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram—who were reportedly present at the scene during the fatal incident. All three accused are expected to be produced before a magistrate shortly for further legal proceedings, including remand applications if necessary.
Dularchand Yadav succumbed to his injuries on Thursday while actively campaigning in support of Piyush Priyadarshi, the Jan Suraaj Party's candidate contesting from the Mokama constituency. The post-mortem examination conducted on Yadav's body revealed that the cause of death was a ruptured lung combined with multiple rib fractures, injuries consistent with severe blunt force trauma. Notably, the autopsy explicitly ruled out gunshot wounds as a contributing factor, which has intensified political debates and speculations surrounding the case.
The incident unfolded amid a heated clash between supporters of rival political candidates in Mokama. Preliminary investigations indicate that Yadav's body was recovered following this confrontation. First Information Reports (FIRs) were lodged by both conflicting parties, prompting a multi-angle probe by the police.
In a late-night joint press conference held alongside Patna District Magistrate Thyagarajan SM, SSP Kartikeya Sharma provided a detailed update on the case. "The police have arrested three persons—Anant Singh, Manikant Thakur, and Ranjeet Ram—in connection with the murder of Dular Chand Yadav," Sharma stated emphatically.
Elaborating on the evidence, the SSP added, "The post-mortem report and preliminary investigation suggest that it’s a case of murder." He further explained that the initial inquiry had uncovered Singh's presence at the location of the incident, accompanied by his associates, at the time the clash escalated fatally. Sharma assured the media and public that the investigation would proceed transparently, with all leads being pursued rigorously to establish the full sequence of events.
Piyush Priyadarshi, the Jan Suraaj Party's candidate from Mokama and a key figure in the victim's campaigning efforts, responded to the arrests in an interview. "This is a good gesture, but it would have been good had they taken action sooner," Priyadarshi remarked. He highlighted concerns over the delay, noting, "Today, he [Anant Singh] was moving around in a convoy of 50 vehicles and even participated in election campaigning. When an FIR was registered against him, he should have been arrested sooner. But better late than never."
Priyadarshi emphasised the broader implications, stating, "What is important now is how the police investigate the whole case. It is a relief for his [Yadav's] family." His comments underscore the sense of vindication felt by the victim's supporters, while also calling for a thorough and impartial probe to deliver justice.
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Anant Singh, a prominent yet polarising figure in Bihar politics, has served multiple terms as an MLA from Mokama. Currently, his wife, Neelam Devi, holds the Mokama Assembly seat as the sitting representative. Singh's political career has been marred by controversies, and his candidacy for the JD(U) in the upcoming polls had already drawn scrutiny.
In a related development, Singh has been booked separately for violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). Reports have surfaced of him travelling in large cavalcades—exemplified by the convoy of approximately 50 vehicles mentioned earlier—which contravene election norms aimed at ensuring a level playing field. These infractions add another layer to the legal challenges facing Singh as the Bihar Assembly elections approach.
The case has sparked widespread political repercussions, with parties across the spectrum weighing in on issues of law and order, candidate security, and electoral fairness in the state. Authorities have vowed to continue the investigation without bias, ensuring that all aspects of the murder are examined in detail to prevent any miscarriage of justice.
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