As Bihar gears up for its assembly elections, a significant development has emerged with the arrest of Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] candidate Anant Singh. The arrest, which took place late Saturday night, is linked to the murder of Dularchand Yadav, a supporter of the Jan Suraaj movement. Police have also taken into custody two of Singh’s associates, Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram, in connection with the case.
Yadav was fatally shot on October 30 during an exchange of fire between rival groups amid the election campaign in Mokama, a constituency where JD(U) has nominated Singh. Authorities reported that Singh was apprehended at his residence in Barh, approximately 200 km from Patna. He, along with his associates, is set to be presented before a magistrate.
The incident, which involved stone-pelting and resulted in injuries, is being treated as a clash between supporters of opposing candidates during the election campaign. According to Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma, the entire event unfolded in the presence of Anant Singh, who is now considered the main accused.
Patna’s Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma assured the public that the elections would proceed peacefully and urged voters to participate without fear. Patna District Magistrate Thiyagarajan SM stated that the situation has normalized following Singh’s arrest and that action is being taken against all involved anti-social elements.
In response to the incident, the Election Commission has ordered the transfer of Patna Superintendent of Police (Rural) Vikram Sihag. Additionally, two station house officers (SHOs) from Ghoswari and Bhadaur stations have been suspended in connection with the case.
Mokama is known as a constituency with a history of influential and often controversial ‘bahubalis’. This election cycle, the seat is set for a contest between JD(U)’s Anant Singh and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)’s Veena Devi, the wife of former MP Surajbhan Singh.
Veena Devi had previously voiced concerns about the local administration’s perceived lack of interest in investigating the murder. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticized the ruling government for allegedly protecting criminals and questioned the Election Commission’s silence on the matter, highlighting that accused individuals continue to campaign openly.
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Dularchand Yadav murder case: Key points
- Dularchand Yadav was killed during a clash between supporters of rival candidates while campaigning in Mokama.
- JD(U) candidate Anant Singh, along with two associates, was arrested by Patna Police in connection with the murder.
- SSP Kartikeya Sharma assured voters of peaceful elections and urged them to vote without fear.
- Patna DM Thiyagarajan SM confirmed the normalization of the situation post-arrest and assured action against anti-social elements.
- The Election Commission ordered the transfer of Patna SP (Rural) Vikram Sihag and suspended two SHOs due to the incident.
- Mokama is recognized as a stronghold of ‘bahubalis’, with JD(U)’s Anant Singh facing RJD’s Veena Devi in the upcoming election.
- RJD’s Veena Devi had alleged a lack of interest from the local administration in the investigation.
- RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav criticized the government and ECI over the handling of criminal activities during campaigning.
- Bihar BJP President Dilip Jaiswal assured strict action against those involved, emphasizing the rule of law.