JDU candidate Anant Singh arrested for alleged role in Jan Suraaj worker’s murder

Patna Police on Sunday arrested Anant Singh, JD(U) candidate from Mokama and a former MLA, in connection with the murder of Jan Suraaj worker Dular Chand Yadav.

The arrest follows days of political tension in Bihar after Yadav’s death during election campaigning. A police team led by Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma reached Singh’s Barh residence early Sunday and took him into custody. Along with Singh, two associates — Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram — were also arrested. The SSP confirmed that “post-mortem and investigation findings indicate this is a case of murder.”

Yadav died on Thursday after suffering a ruptured lung and multiple rib fractures during a clash between supporters of rival political groups in Mokama. He was campaigning for Jan Suraaj Party’s candidate Piyush Priyadarshi at the time.

Police sources said three FIRs were filed in connection with the case — one by Yadav’s family naming Anant Singh and four others, another by the rival group, and a third filed suo motu by police. Reacting to the arrest, Priyadarshi said, “It’s a welcome step, but delayed. Action should have been taken the moment an FIR was registered. The important thing now is a fair investigation.”

Anant Singh, known for his strongman image, has denied the allegations, claiming the incident was a conspiracy by former MP Suraj Bhan Singh, husband of RJD candidate Veena Devi. Singh’s wife, Neelam Devi, currently represents the Mokama constituency.

The Election Commission of India has sought a detailed report from local authorities and ordered the transfer of Patna SP (Rural) along with three other officers for failing to prevent violence. It also directed disciplinary action against officials overseeing Mokama constituency.

The incident has heightened tensions in the run-up to the Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled for November 6 and 11, with counting on November 14.