JDU leader Anant Singh held over killing of Jan Suraaj supporter

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

The arrest came three days after Yadav was killed during election campaigning in Mokama. According to officials, a team led by Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma reached Singh’s residence in Barh early Sunday and took him into custody. Singh had been under investigation since Yadav’s death, which occurred after a violent clash between rival groups on Thursday.

Police have also arrested two others — Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram — in connection with the case. “All three accused have been arrested and will be produced before the magistrate. The post-mortem report confirms it is a case of murder,” SSP Sharma said during a late-night press briefing.

Yadav, who was canvassing for Jan Suraaj candidate Piyush Priyadarshi, died due to multiple injuries and a ruptured lung. An autopsy ruled out gunshot wounds, but the incident has triggered a political storm ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections.

Priyadarshi welcomed the arrest but questioned the delay in police action. “He was moving in a convoy and campaigning even after the FIR was filed. The arrest should have happened sooner,” he said.

Anant Singh, a controversial leader whose wife Neelam Devi currently represents Mokama, has also been booked for violating the model code of conduct. Singh has denied any involvement, alleging a conspiracy by former MP Suraj Bhan Singh, husband of RJD candidate Veena Devi.

Earlier, three FIRs were lodged — one by Yadav’s grandson naming Anant Singh and four others, one by the rival faction, and another suo motu by police.

In a swift response, the Election Commission of India (ECI) sought a detailed report from the District Election Officer and ordered disciplinary action and transfers of multiple officers, including the SP (Rural) Patna and three sub-divisional officials, for lapses in handling the situation.

The commission has directed the administration to ensure strict enforcement of the model code of conduct and maintain peace during the upcoming polls.