In a significant development ahead of the November 6 polls in Bihar’s Mokama region, the state police have detained senior politician Anant Singh of the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)). Singh has been arrested for his alleged involvement in the brutal murder of a 75‑year‑old worker from the Jan Suraaj Party, named Dularchand Yadav.
The incident occurred during election campaigning, when Yadav, a resident of a village in the Barh block near Patna, was shot and then reportedly run over by a vehicle amid a clash between rival worker groups. The post‑mortem confirmed that the rib cage of the deceased was crushed, pointing to vehicular impact following the shooting.
Approximately 150 police personnel conducted the operation late Saturday night at Singh’s residence in Barh. Along with Singh, two associates Manikant Thakur and Ranjit Ram were taken into custody from Bedna village.
Investigations indicate that the clash between the competing campaign groups on October 30 triggered the violence, with stone‑pelting leading to injuries and then to Yadav’s death. The case was registered by Yadav’s grandson, naming Singh, his nephews and others as accused. Additional arrests are expected as the inquiry progresses.
The state’s election monitoring agency has reacted firmly, superseding the Patna Rural SP and the returning officer for Mokama and initiating disciplinary proceedings against officials for alleged procedural lapses. The seat is known for its volatile electoral climate and strong‑arm politics, and this latest incident has intensified concerns about law and order ahead of the voting.
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