From Crime to Politics: The Remarkable Journey of Bihar's PhD-Holding Bahubali Sunil Pandey and His Political Heir

Bihar politics presents fascinating examples of individuals who straddle both criminal and political spheres, with Sunil Pandey standing out as a unique figure. Unlike many others, Pandey combined his strongman reputation with academic credentials, holding a doctoral degree while serving as a four-time MLA from Bhojpur district. Despite his educational achievements, Pandey's political career remained perpetually shadowed by controversy, frequently making headlines for problematic reasons.

Pandey exemplifies the intricate relationship between political power and muscle strength within Bihar's sociopolitical landscape. Even with his PhD qualification, his name consistently appeared in connection with criminal activities, generating continuous controversies throughout his political journey.

Now that Pandey has stepped back from active politics, his son Vishal Prashant has taken up the family's political mantle, contesting from Tarari as a BJP candidate.

Sunil Pandey was born as Narendra Pandey in Rohtas district to Kameshwar Pandey, an influential contractor. After completing his schooling in Rohtas, he traveled to Bengaluru to study engineering but interrupted his education to return home before eventually resuming his academic pursuits. Remarkably, even while involved in criminal activities, Pandey continued his education, earning an MA degree from a university in Arrah before completing his PhD. The paradox of his life extends to his brief study of law as well.

Pandey's notoriety began after being implicated in the murder of his roommate, Shilu Miyan. This infamy became the foundation for expanding his political influence, not just in his home district of Bhojpur but throughout Bihar.

Until 2000, Pandey lived as a fugitive evading law enforcement. His life changed dramatically when the Samata Party nominated him for the Piro constituency, resulting in his first electoral victory. He secured the Piro seat again in 2005 on a JDU ticket and remained undefeated when elections were held again due to a fractured mandate.

Following the 2008 delimitation that replaced Piro with the Tarari constituency, Pandey won his third election from Tarari in 2010. In 2015, his wife Geeta Pandey contested from Tarari on a Lok Janshakti Party ticket but was unsuccessful.

Throughout his political career, Pandey switched political affiliations seven times between JDU, Samata Party, and LJP.

Pandey's life has been characterized by frequent imprisonment or evasion of authorities. His criminal record includes allegations of murder, extortion, and kidnapping. He was also accused of ordering a contract killing targeting Mukhtar Ansari, a criminal-turned-politician from Uttar Pradesh.

Many associated Pandey with Ranvir Sena, an armed group representing landlord interests. Initially close to Ranvir Sena leader Brahmeshwar Mukhiya, their relationship deteriorated following the 1997 murder of Pandey's relative by the Sena. When Mukhiya was murdered outside his residence in 2012, suspicion fell on Pandey, though he was eventually cleared due to insufficient evidence. Similarly, he was acquitted in numerous criminal cases, including the Arrah Civil Court bombing, due to lack of evidence.

In one notorious incident, Pandey publicly threatened a journalist during a press conference at a luxury hotel in Patna, an event that received nationwide attention.

Having retired from active politics, Pandey has transferred his political legacy to his son Vishal Prashant. In the 2024 assembly by-elections, Prashant successfully won the Tarari seat—once his father's stronghold—as a BJP candidate. As a rising BJP leader, Prashant is now seeking a second term from Tarari in the upcoming 2025 assembly elections, where he is considered a strong contender.