The Mokama Assembly constituency in Bihar, already notorious for its volatile mix of politics, muscle power, and local rivalries, has once again become a flashpoint for tension and violence. The killing of Dular Chand Yadav, a gangster-turned-politician and supporter of the Jan Suraaj Party, has sent shockwaves through the region just days before the state’s first phase of polling on November 6.

Dular Chand, who was once a feared figure in Mokama’s wetlands and wielded considerable influence in the area, was campaigning for his nephew, Piyush Priyadarshi, the Jan Suraaj Party’s candidate from Mokama, when he was brutally killed. The circumstances of his death — being shot and then allegedly run over by a vehicle — have sparked outrage, deepened political rivalries, and raised fears of retaliation in a constituency long shaped by crime-infused politics.

The Incident

According to early reports, the attack took place in Basavanchak village on Thursday. Dular Chand was part of a convoy accompanying Piyush Priyadarshi’s campaign when violence erupted. His family and Jan Suraaj Party workers allege that Anant Singh’s supporters — belonging to the powerful Janata Dal (United) strongman — ambushed the convoy with sticks and iron rods.

Eyewitnesses claimed that Priyadarshi’s convoy was following Anant Singh’s vehicle when chaos broke out. In the ensuing melee, several vehicles were damaged, their windows smashed, and Dular Chand, who reportedly stepped out to intervene, was attacked and later run over.

Party workers alleged that the assault was premeditated, aimed at intimidating the Jan Suraaj campaign and disrupting their activities in an area historically dominated by Anant Singh.

The Political Context

Mokama has long been a politically charged constituency, notorious for the intertwining of crime, caste, and political patronage. Since 2005, Anant Singh — often referred to as “Chhote Sarkar” in local circles — has been the dominant political figure in the region. His influence over Mokama’s voters and his reputation as a “bahubali” (strongman) have made him both feared and respected.

This election, however, has added a new layer of competition. The Janata Dal (United) has once again fielded Anant Singh, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has nominated Veena Devi, wife of former MP and powerful leader Surajbhan Singh. The entry of the Jan Suraaj Party, led by Prashant Kishor, has further complicated the dynamics, creating a three-way battle for dominance.

Dular Chand’s nephew, Piyush Priyadarshi, represents the Jan Suraaj Party’s attempt to break into the Mokama stronghold. His uncle’s backing was seen as crucial, given Dular Chand’s deep roots in the area and his connections across political and social lines. The killing, therefore, is not only a personal tragedy but also a severe blow to the Jan Suraaj campaign.

Accusations and Counter-Accusations

As with most politically linked killings in Bihar, the incident has quickly devolved into a war of words between rival camps.

Jan Suraaj supporters have directly accused Anant Singh and his followers of orchestrating the attack, describing it as a “planned political murder.” They claim that their convoy was specifically targeted to send a message of dominance ahead of polling day.

Anant Singh, however, has categorically denied any involvement. In a statement reported by Hindustan Times, he countered the allegations by accusing former MP Surajbhan Singh of plotting the attack. “Our vehicles were also vandalised. This whole game is of Surajbhan. He had kept Dular Chand with him. Dularchand used to stay with him,” Anant Singh said.

This exchange of blame reflects the long-standing enmity and overlapping loyalties among Bihar’s political strongmen. Both Anant Singh and Surajbhan Singh have criminal backgrounds and have alternated between rivalry and alliance over the decades.

Police Investigation and Security Response

Following the killing, the Bihar Police have deployed heavy security across Mokama to prevent an outbreak of violence. The region has a history of retaliatory attacks following politically motivated killings, and the administration is keen to prevent any escalation ahead of the polls.

Patna Range Inspector General (IG) Jitendra Rana stated that police teams were camping in the area to ensure law and order. “The focus is on completing the post-mortem at the earliest. Preliminary investigation has revealed that the victim had no firearm injury marks on the upper part of his body. We are also waiting for a complaint from the family,” he said.

The post-mortem of Dular Chand Yadav’s body was conducted at the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Barh under heavy security. According to ANI and PTI reports, large contingents of police were deployed along the route as the body was transported for examination. The hospital itself was surrounded by officers to control the growing crowd of supporters and local residents.

Officials said that the exact cause of death will be confirmed only after the post-mortem report is submitted. Early findings suggested that the injuries were severe but not necessarily caused by bullets, raising questions about whether he was fatally struck by a vehicle after being beaten.

The Legacy of Violence in Mokama

Mokama, located about 90 kilometers from Patna, has long been synonymous with political violence and gang rivalries. The wetlands and riverine belt along the Ganga have historically been fertile ground for crime syndicates and musclemen-turned-politicians. Figures like Anant Singh and Dular Chand Yadav rose to prominence in this very environment, where political control often depended on muscle power as much as on votes.

Dular Chand himself had once been a feared name in the region’s criminal network before transitioning into politics. Over the years, he attempted to recast his image as a community leader and campaigner. His death has revived memories of Mokama’s violent past and highlighted how fragile peace in the area remains.

Election Commission and Political Reactions

The Election Commission of India is expected to review the situation closely, given that the constituency is scheduled to vote in just a few days. Sources said additional central forces might be deployed to ensure peaceful polling.

Meanwhile, Jan Suraaj Party leaders have demanded an immediate investigation and the arrest of those responsible, accusing the state administration of bias in favor of the ruling JD(U). Opposition leaders, too, have expressed concern over what they called the “breakdown of law and order” in Bihar during the election period.

A Boiling Point Before Polls

The killing of Dular Chand Yadav has once again exposed the deep entanglement of crime and politics in Bihar’s electoral fabric. As Mokama prepares to vote, the fear among residents is palpable. Local authorities are on high alert, knowing that even a minor provocation could trigger fresh violence.

For the Jan Suraaj Party, the incident is both a setback and a rallying point. For the ruling JD(U) and opposition RJD, it is a reminder that control over constituencies like Mokama cannot be separated from their turbulent histories.

What remains to be seen is whether justice will be swift and impartial—or whether Dular Chand’s killing will become yet another unsolved episode in Bihar’s long saga of political bloodshed.