In a significant development just days before the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the state police have arrested Janata Dal (United) candidate Anant Singh, naming him the prime accused in the high-profile murder case of Dularchand Yadav, a prominent Jan Suraaj supporter. The arrest comes nearly three days after Yadav was killed in a violent incident during election campaigning in Mokama, a key constituency where Singh is contesting.

According to Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma, the investigation has revealed that the murder occurred during a confrontation between rival groups on October 30, in which Dularchand Yadav was shot dead. Singh’s accomplices, Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram, were also taken into custody. The police have described Anant Singh as the main accused, stating that the murder happened in his presence, with multiple eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence corroborating his involvement.

“Based on evidence, eyewitness statements, and the postmortem report of the deceased, it is clear that the Model Code of Conduct was violated, and this is a serious matter,” the SSP said, emphasizing the gravity of the case.

Dularchand Yadav: Life and the Murder Incident

Dularchand Yadav, a gangster-turned-politician, was campaigning in support of his nephew, Piyush Priyadarshi, the Jan Suraaj Party candidate from Mokama, when the incident took place. Reports indicate that Yadav was inside his vehicle when he was first shot and subsequently run over by a vehicle during the altercation at Basavanchak village.

The clash reportedly involved convoys from rival camps, with Priyadarshi’s group following Anant Singh’s vehicles. Dularchand Yadav tried to intervene during the confrontation, which allegedly led to his fatal shooting. The incident highlighted the rising tensions between political strongmen in Mokama, a constituency long dominated by Anant Singh.

Reaction from Victim’s Family

Dularchand Yadav’s family has welcomed the arrest as a step toward justice. His nephew, Piyush Priyadarshi, termed it a “good gesture” and expressed relief for the family. “Today, Anant Singh was campaigning in a convoy of 50 vehicles, yet he remained unarrested until now. While it should have happened earlier, better late than never. What matters now is a thorough police investigation to ensure accountability,” Priyadarshi said.

The family’s relief underscores the emotional toll the murder had taken on the victim’s relatives and highlights their hope that the judicial process will proceed swiftly, especially in the politically charged environment of Mokama.

Political Implications

Anant Singh, a well-known strongman in Mokama, has been a dominant figure in the region’s political landscape since 2005. He is now facing off against Piyush Priyadarshi and Veena Devi, the RJD candidate and wife of influential former MP Surajbhan Singh. The arrest of Singh just days before the election is likely to impact campaigning strategies in Mokama and may influence voter perceptions in this tightly contested constituency.

The incident also casts a spotlight on the broader issue of political violence in Bihar, especially during election season. Over the years, constituencies like Mokama have witnessed repeated clashes between rival political factions, sometimes involving strongmen and former criminals who have transitioned into politics.

Anant Singh’s Denial

Prior to his arrest, Anant Singh had denied any involvement in Dularchand Yadav’s murder. He had instead alleged that the crime was orchestrated by Veena Devi’s husband, Surajbhan Singh, and claimed that Dularchand had been associated with him. “Our vehicles were vandalized. This entire incident is the handiwork of Surajbhan Singh, who had Dularchand under his influence,” Singh had told the media, according to reports.

Despite his denial, the police, citing evidence and eyewitness testimony, have moved to name him the prime accused, signaling a strong case against him.

Law Enforcement Response

The arrest demonstrates the Bihar police’s determination to maintain law and order during the election period. Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma emphasized that the murder was a violation of electoral rules and that swift action was necessary to uphold the integrity of the ongoing campaign process.

As investigations continue, authorities are focusing on gathering further evidence to ensure that all involved parties are brought to justice. The case has garnered widespread attention due to the involvement of a prominent political figure, the timing ahead of assembly elections, and the violent nature of the crime.

Broader Context

The incident in Mokama is a stark reminder of the challenges faced in Bihar’s political landscape, where electoral contests often intersect with local power struggles and the influence of political strongmen. While law enforcement has taken decisive action, analysts warn that political violence remains a concern in several constituencies across the state.

The arrest of Anant Singh is likely to become a pivotal factor in the Mokama elections, with voters and opposition parties closely monitoring developments. The case also raises questions about the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, particularly in constituencies with a history of politically motivated violence.

As the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections approach their final stages, authorities are under pressure to ensure free, fair, and safe polling, and this arrest could set a precedent for timely action against politically connected individuals involved in criminal activities.

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