As Bihar gears up for its crucial assembly elections, the state has been rocked by a high-profile incident involving Janata Dal (United) candidate Anant Singh, who has been named the “main accused” in the murder of Dularchand Yadav, a supporter of the Jan Suraaj candidate Piyush Priyadarshi. The arrest, carried out late on Saturday night, has thrown the political landscape in Mokama, a constituency notorious for the influence of strongmen or ‘bahubalis,’ into sharp focus. Singh’s apprehension and the surrounding developments underscore the volatile nature of electoral politics in certain regions of Bihar, where competition often escalates into violence.

According to Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kartikeya Sharma, Singh was arrested along with two of his aides, Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram, following an extensive operation. The police operation was aimed at ensuring law and order in the constituency ahead of the polling scheduled for November 6, part of the first phase of the 243-member Bihar assembly elections. The arrests were made from Singh’s residence in Barh, which is located approximately 200 kilometers from Patna. The SSP confirmed that all three accused would be produced before the magistrate for further judicial proceedings.

The incident traces back to October 30, when Dularchand Yadav was shot dead during an exchange of gunfire between two groups of rival campaigners in Mokama. The clash occurred amid ongoing election campaigning and reportedly involved stone-pelting and other forms of violence, resulting in multiple injuries before Yadav was fatally shot. Authorities have stressed that the murder occurred in the presence of Anant Singh, which led to him being designated as the primary accused in the case. SSP Sharma noted, “It was found that all this happened in the presence of the candidate, Anant Singh, who is also the main accused in the case. Anant Singh has been arrested. His accomplices, Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram, have also been arrested with him.”

The arrest has sparked reactions from multiple political quarters. Patna District Magistrate Thiyagarajan SM stated that the situation in the region had normalized following Singh’s apprehension and that law enforcement authorities were taking action against all anti-social elements involved. He emphasized the importance of the Model Code of Conduct, noting that it serves as a critical framework to ensure free and fair elections. The DM reassured voters that the administration was committed to maintaining order, stating, “As per the instructions of the Election Commission, we are committed to ensuring a fair election.”

The Election Commission of India (ECI) responded swiftly to the incident, transferring Patna Superintendent of Police (Rural) Vikram Sihag and suspending two station house officers — Ghoswari SHO Madhusudan Kumar and Bhadaur SHO Ravi Ranjan — citing lapses in managing law and order in the constituency. The EC’s intervention underscores the seriousness of the case and its potential impact on the electoral process in Mokama.

Mokama, historically a stronghold of influential local leaders and ‘bahubalis,’ is witnessing an intensely contested election this year. JD(U) has fielded Anant Singh as its candidate, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has nominated Veena Devi, the wife of former MP Surajbhan Singh, another prominent and influential figure in the region. The constituency has, in past years, seen a mix of political dominance and violent clashes, reflecting the broader challenge of ensuring safe and orderly elections in areas dominated by powerful local actors.

RJD leaders have expressed deep concern over Singh’s continued campaigning prior to his arrest. Veena Devi, the RJD candidate, criticized local authorities for failing to take adequate action against Singh despite his alleged involvement in the murder. She alleged, “I met family members of the deceased… The local administration is showing no interest in the investigation.” Her statement reflects a growing narrative among opposition parties that law enforcement mechanisms have been insufficiently proactive in dealing with criminality linked to political candidates.

Tejashwi Yadav, the Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate, also weighed in, accusing the BJP-led NDA government of protecting criminals. He questioned the Election Commission’s inaction and highlighted the audacity with which accused individuals continue to operate amid campaign season. “Murders are taking place in broad daylight, names are there in FIRs, but still the accused passes by the police station and campaigns. He is roaming around with a convoy of 40 people carrying guns and ammunition,” Tejashwi said. His statement underscores the perceived law and order challenges in constituencies like Mokama, where political and criminal networks often intersect.

From the BJP’s side, Bihar state president Dilip Jaiswal responded to concerns by affirming the government’s commitment to rule of law. “There is a rule of law in Bihar. No matter who the criminal is, they will be punished under the rule of law,” he stated. His comments sought to reassure voters that the administration and police are taking measures to enforce accountability, irrespective of political affiliations or the influence of powerful local figures.

The arrest of Anant Singh, along with his aides, is expected to have significant implications for the campaign dynamics in Mokama. Given Singh’s long-standing political presence in the region and his reputation as a ‘bahubali’ with strong local support, the case may influence voter sentiment and strategies adopted by both JD(U) and RJD candidates. Law enforcement agencies have emphasized that despite the arrest, the election process will proceed smoothly, and voters are encouraged to exercise their franchise without fear. SSP Sharma explicitly assured, “I want to assure the voters of Patna that elections will be held peacefully, and that they can fearlessly come out and vote. Patna Police and the administration stand with the voters, and no one will be stopped from exercising their right.”

In addition to ensuring law and order during the polling, the authorities are conducting ongoing investigations into the murder case. Interrogation of the arrested individuals, including Anant Singh, is being carried out to ascertain the full scope of involvement, identify other potential accomplices, and understand the circumstances leading to Dularchand Yadav’s death. The police have indicated that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty, in line with legal procedures.

The incident has highlighted broader concerns about electoral violence in Bihar. While the state has a history of politically motivated clashes, the use of firearms, stone-pelting, and aggressive campaign tactics remain a significant challenge for the Election Commission and law enforcement. Ensuring voter safety in constituencies dominated by powerful local figures requires coordinated efforts between the administration, police, and the EC, alongside public awareness campaigns emphasizing peaceful participation in the democratic process.

The case also brings into focus the mechanisms of accountability for candidates with criminal backgrounds. Anant Singh’s political journey has often been marked by controversy, with past allegations of violence and intimidation casting a long shadow over his career. His arrest ahead of the polls raises questions about the vetting processes for electoral candidates and the steps taken to prevent individuals with alleged criminal records from influencing the election environment.

As the Bihar assembly elections approach, authorities are balancing the dual objectives of maintaining order and facilitating democratic participation. The Mokama incident demonstrates the delicate interplay between political competition, criminality, and governance in regions where local strongmen exert significant influence. The ECI, law enforcement, and political parties are under scrutiny to ensure that justice is delivered swiftly and that voters’ rights are protected.

In conclusion, the arrest of JD(U) candidate Anant Singh as the main accused in the murder of Dularchand Yadav has intensified the political and administrative spotlight on Mokama ahead of the Bihar assembly elections. The late-night operation, carried out by Patna police, along with the arrest of Singh’s associates, underscores the authorities’ commitment to law and order. Yet, the incident has reignited debates on electoral violence, the influence of powerful local figures, and the accountability of candidates with criminal allegations. While the polling process is set to continue as scheduled, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in conducting free and fair elections in constituencies historically marred by violence and political intimidation.