Bihar Elections: JDU's Anant Singh Arrested in Murder Case of Jan Suraaj Supporter

Former Bihar MLA Anant Kumar Singh and Jan Suraaj supporter Dularchand Yadav have become central figures in a developing political controversy ahead of the Bihar elections.

Anant Kumar Singh, the Janata Dal (United) candidate from Mokama constituency, has been arrested in connection with the murder of Jan Suraaj supporter Dularchand Yadav. Following his arrest, Singh shared a video message on social media expressing his "complete faith" in the support of Mokama residents as the election approaches.

The Facebook video shows Singh being escorted by police personnel with the caption "Satyamev Jayate! I have complete faith in the people of Mokama!! That's why now the people of Mokama will fight this election!"

The incident occurred on October 30, when Dularchand Yadav was killed during an exchange of fire between opposing political groups while campaigning for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections in Mokama.

Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma confirmed that Singh and two associates, Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram, have been arrested in connection with the case. All three suspects are scheduled to appear before a magistrate.

According to SSP Sharma, the clash between two groups of competing candidates involved stone pelting that resulted in injuries. Following the incident, a 75-year-old man identified as Dularchand Yadav was found dead in the village where the confrontation took place.

Both political groups filed cases, prompting a police investigation. Based on evidence, witness accounts, and the victim's postmortem report, authorities determined that the Model Code of Conduct had been violated. The investigation revealed that the incident occurred in the presence of candidate Anant Singh, who is now the primary accused in the case.

Police are continuing searches to apprehend additional suspects, with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) also investigating the case. Multiple charges have been filed, and individuals from both political groups have been arrested for confrontations with police and creating public disorder.

Jan Suraaj Party's candidate from Mokama, Piyush Priyadarshi, stated that Anant Singh should have been arrested earlier. He noted that despite an FIR being registered against Singh, the candidate had been campaigning with a convoy of approximately 50 vehicles before his arrest.

In connection with the case, two station house officers (SHOs) have been suspended. According to Patna's Rural Superintendent of Police, Ghoswari SHO Madhusudan Kumar and Bhadaur SHO Ravi Ranjan were removed from their positions.

The Mokama constituency, which will vote in the first phase on November 6, is preparing for an intense electoral battle. Janata Dal (United) has fielded Anant Singh, while Rashtriya Janata Dal has nominated Veena Devi, wife of former MP Surajbhan Singh.

Both candidates belong to the Bhumihaar community, setting up a direct confrontation of political dynasties in one of Bihar's most volatile yet politically significant constituencies.

Voting for Bihar's 243-seat Assembly will be conducted in two phases on November 6 and November 11, with vote counting scheduled for November 14.