Former Bihar MLA Anant Singh Arrested Over Death of Activist

Former Bihar MLA Anant Singh was arrested late on the night of November 2, 2023, in connection with the death of activist Dular Chand Yadav. Singh, who is seeking to regain his seat in Mokama representing Chief Minister Nitish Kumar‘s Janata Dal (United) or JD(U), was taken into custody during a police operation at his residence in Barh, located approximately 200 kilometers from Patna.

The arrest follows Yadav’s death while campaigning for the Jan Suraaj Party candidate Piyush Priyadarshi in Mokama on November 2. According to police, Yadav collapsed during the campaign due to a heart and lung injury, with the post-mortem report indicating that he died from cardiorespiratory failure caused by shock. The incident occurred in the Mokama Taal area, close to the Bhadaur and Ghoswari police stations.

In the aftermath of Yadav’s death, the police registered four First Information Reports (FIRs). Singh has been named as an accused in one of these reports, alongside four other individuals, based on a complaint filed by Yadav’s grandson. Senior Superintendent of Police for Patna, Kartikeya Sharma, confirmed the arrest but withheld further details regarding the case.

Singh, a multiple-term former MLA, faces additional scrutiny for allegedly violating the model code of conduct. Reports indicate that he was seen moving in large cavalcades, which is against electoral regulations. His wife, Neelam Devi, currently serves as the representative for the Mokama seat.

In previous statements about the incident, Singh acknowledged a clash between his supporters and Yadav but attempted to deflect blame onto Suraj Bhan, a long-standing rival in both underworld and local political circles. Bhan’s wife, Veena Devi, is contesting the Mokama seat on a ticket from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

The political landscape in Bihar is becoming increasingly tense as the election approaches, with Singh’s arrest adding to the controversy surrounding the upcoming polls. The JD(U) has yet to comment officially on the implications of this incident for Singh’s candidacy.