Patna, November 1, 2025: In the wake of the high-profile murder of Dularchand Yadav, a supporter of Jan Suraaj, in Mokama, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the transfer of three key officers in the constituency and directed disciplinary proceedings against them. This action comes amid mounting concerns over law and order during the Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results to be declared on November 14.

According to an ECI order issued on Saturday, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Barh-cum-Returning Officer of 178-Mokama Assembly Constituency, Chandan Kumar, has been replaced by Ashish Kumar, IAS, who is currently serving as Additional Municipal Commissioner at Patna Municipal Corporation. In addition, Rakesh Kumar, SDPO Barh-1, and Abhishek Singh, SDPO Barh-2, have been transferred and replaced by Anand Kumar Singh and Ayush Shrivastava, both officers from the 2022 RR batch. The poll body has also directed disciplinary action against the three replaced officers.

Further, the Election Commission has suggested that Patna (Rural) Superintendent of Police Vikram Sihag may be transferred, and a panel of officers has been requested to be sent as his replacement. The Commission has also sought a compliance report on the transfers by November 2.

Earlier on Saturday, two station house officers (SHOs) — Madhusudan Kumar of Ghoswari and Ravi Ranjan of Bhadaur — were suspended in connection with the case. The suspensions were reported by the Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) of Patna, highlighting the administration’s attempt to assert accountability in the aftermath of the incident.

The transfers and suspensions follow the October 30 shooting in Mokama, in which Dularchand Yadav was killed during a clash between rival political groups while campaigning. The killing has provoked widespread political outrage in Bihar, with leaders from multiple parties condemning the violence and calling for stricter enforcement of law and order in the run-up to the elections.

RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate, Tejashwi Yadav, strongly condemned the violence in Mokama, stating that such incidents have no place in a democracy. Speaking to reporters, he criticised the administration and the Election Commission for their handling of the situation, calling for accountability over the incident.

Mokama constituency, historically notorious for its involvement of powerful and controversial “bahubalis” in local politics, has been a focal point of political rivalry. The upcoming elections will see a high-stakes contest in the constituency between Anant Singh, representing the Janata Dal (United), and Veena Devi, wife of former MP Surajbhan Singh, contesting on the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) ticket. Both candidates belong to the Bhumihaar community, further intensifying the competition and signaling a direct clash of political legacies.

The constituency has a history of political violence and strong local power dynamics, with families like those of Anant Singh, Dilip Singh, and Surajbhan Singh wielding significant influence. Mokama’s volatile political environment, combined with the recent murder, underscores the challenges of maintaining law and order during elections in regions dominated by entrenched local power structures.

The Election Commission’s intervention, including the transfer of senior officers and suspension of SHOs, reflects the body’s efforts to ensure free and fair polling. By placing new officials in key positions, the ECI aims to strengthen oversight and prevent further incidents of violence in the crucial first phase of Bihar’s assembly elections.

As the state gears up for polling on November 6 and 11, attention is focused on constituencies like Mokama, where the risk of election-related violence is high due to historical rivalries and political tensions. The outcome in such constituencies is expected to be closely watched, both for its political significance and as a measure of the administration’s ability to uphold electoral integrity.

The ECI’s decisive actions, including the replacement of Chandan Kumar with Ashish Kumar as SDO-cum-Returning Officer and the reshuffling of SDPOs Rakesh Kumar and Abhishek Singh, are designed to restore confidence in the electoral process. The directive to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the replaced officers sends a clear message that lapses in maintaining law and order during elections will not be tolerated.

Political analysts note that the Mokama constituency election will serve as a litmus test for the administration’s ability to manage polling in high-risk areas. With rival factions vying for dominance and a history of violent incidents, the role of the police and election officers has come under intense scrutiny.

The transfers also highlight the Election Commission’s proactive stance in addressing administrative lapses, ensuring that polling can proceed in a safe and controlled environment. By enforcing accountability and strengthening oversight, the Commission seeks to mitigate risks associated with electoral violence and maintain voter confidence.

As Bihar approaches the first phase of voting, the situation in Mokama remains tense, with heightened security measures and close monitoring by election authorities. The ECI’s interventions are expected to have a significant impact on the conduct of elections, particularly in constituencies with a history of political rivalry and law-and-order challenges.

The broader context of the Bihar elections, which cover 243 assembly seats in two phases, is marked by intense competition between the NDA, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Nitish Kumar, and the INDIA alliance, including the RJD and Congress. Incidents like the Dularchand Yadav murder underscore the stakes involved and the importance of ensuring a safe and fair electoral process.

In conclusion, the Election Commission’s transfer of key officers in Mokama, suspension of SHOs, and initiation of disciplinary proceedings represent a significant step towards maintaining the integrity of the electoral process in Bihar. With the first phase of polling scheduled for November 6, authorities are under pressure to ensure that law and order is preserved, voters feel secure, and the elections are conducted fairly in one of the most politically sensitive constituencies of the state.