Anant Kumar Singh, a veteran politician and controversial figure from Bihar, has once again made headlines after being arrested in connection with the murder of Dularchand Yadav, a supporter of the Jan Suraaj initiative. Singh, who has been fielded by the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) from his stronghold of Mokama, is a prominent yet polarizing figure in Bihar politics, often described as a “don-turned-politician” due to his criminal background and deep involvement in local power dynamics.

Political Career and Background
Anant Singh has represented the Mokama Assembly constituency for nearly two decades, first making his electoral debut in 2005. His family has historically dominated the seat since 1990, with only brief interruptions when rival strongmen, or “bahubalis,” wrested control. Singh was re-elected in 2010, and in 2015, after quitting JD(U), he contested and won as an Independent candidate. Before the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections, he joined the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and secured victory once again. However, his political career has often been overshadowed by his criminal cases and allegations of violence.

In 2022, Singh was convicted in an arms case, leading to the loss of his seat in the Assembly. His wife, Neelam Devi, subsequently contested and won the by-election and currently represents Mokama. Singh is now contesting the seat again on a JD(U) ticket, attempting a political comeback despite his controversial history.

Criminal Record and Assets
Anant Singh’s nomination papers for the upcoming elections reveal a strikingly extensive criminal record. According to official disclosures, he has 28 ongoing cases, including serious charges such as murder, criminal conspiracy, torture, kidnapping, and assault. Despite these charges, Singh has maintained a significant political presence in the region. In terms of wealth, he declared movable and immovable assets worth ₹37.88 crore, highlighting his influence and financial clout.

Controversial Incidents and Violence in Mokama
Singh’s political career has been intertwined with allegations of violence and intimidation. Mokama, often described as a bastion of “bahubalis” in Bihar, has witnessed repeated clashes between rival groups. In January of this year, a violent exchange of fire broke out between Singh’s faction and the rival Sonu-Monu gang. Singh had to surrender in court after being named in two FIRs and was sent to jail. This came shortly after his acquittal in an Arms Act case, which had resulted in his release from Beur Jail, Patna, in August 2024.

The latest incident that led to Singh’s arrest occurred on October 30, 2025, during election campaigning in Mokama. Dularchand Yadav, a supporter of the Jan Suraaj initiative, was shot dead in the midst of a violent clash between rival groups. The confrontation also involved stone-pelting and injuries to several individuals. According to Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma, the crime took place in Singh’s presence, and Singh has been named as the “main accused” along with two others – Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram.

Mokama: A High-Stakes Battleground
Mokama has long been a stronghold for influential and controversial figures known locally as “bahubalis.” The region is notorious for political rivalries turning violent, often involving armed confrontations during election seasons. The upcoming Bihar Assembly polls, where Mokama votes in the first phase on November 6, are set to see a high-stakes contest between Anant Singh and Veena Devi, making security and law-and-order concerns particularly significant.

Significance of the Arrest
Anant Singh’s arrest ahead of the elections is likely to have major political implications in Bihar. As a seasoned politician with a long history of local influence, Singh’s involvement in violent incidents adds another layer of complexity to the already tense pre-election scenario. The case highlights the ongoing intersection of criminality and politics in certain parts of Bihar, raising questions about candidate vetting, law enforcement, and voter safety during the electoral process.

In summary, Anant Kumar Singh is a veteran yet controversial Bihar politician with a long record of criminal cases and political influence. Arrested in connection with the murder of Dularchand Yadav, Singh continues to be a central figure in Mokama politics, where his contest against Veena Devi in the upcoming elections is being closely watched amid concerns about election-related violence and law-and-order challenges. His career exemplifies the complex mix of political power, criminality, and local influence that often characterizes certain constituencies in Bihar.