Patna: The arrest of Anant Singh, a Janata Dal (United) candidate, late on Saturday night has heightened tensions in Mokama ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, following the murder of local strongman and Jan Suraaj supporter Dularchand Yadav.
Singh was taken into custody from his home in Bedhna Market, Mokama, and transported under heavy security to the Patna Police Lines. Authorities have indicated that he may be placed on remand for questioning after the conclusion of polling in the constituency. Alongside Singh, his associates Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram, also known as Dimagi, were arrested.
Patna’s Senior Superintendent of Police, Kartikeya Sharma, confirmed that Singh is being held in a highly secure special cell at the SSP office premises, commonly referred to as the “Extortion Cell” or Pithwas Police Station. Security has been intensified around the facility, with curtains drawn and police deployed in and around the area. Sharma added that preparations are underway for Singh’s court appearance, which is expected to determine the next steps in his detention, likely a transfer to Beur Jail.
The arrest follows growing public and political scrutiny after Singh campaigned in Mokama for the first time since Yadav’s killing on Saturday. A video of Singh’s procession sparked outrage, with Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav questioning how a murder accused could be allowed to campaign in the vicinity of a police station. The Election Commission subsequently took action against five officers in response to the incident.
Following Singh’s detention, a message titled “Satyamev Jayate” appeared on his social media handle, suggesting that the people of Mokama will now take up the electoral fight. His wife and outgoing MLA, Neelam Devi, is expected to assume a prominent role in the campaign.
The Patna District Magistrate reported that raids continued overnight, resulting in a total of 80 arrests so far, as police and administrative actions continue across the region. Singh is expected to be presented in court on Sunday, potentially at the magistrate’s residence, due to the court being officially closed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold a roadshow in Patna later on Sunday, with Singh’s court appearance likely to take place earlier in the day.
