Patna: In a major administrative move, the Bihar government has appointed IPS officer Aparajit Lohan as the new Superintendent of Police (SP) of Patna Rural. This decision comes soon after the murder of Dularchand Yadav, a Jansuraj supporter and strongman, during election campaigning in Mokama. The incident had created a political storm and raised serious questions about law and order in the region.
Aparajit Lohan, who belongs to the 2020 batch of the Indian Police Service, has previously served as the Traffic SP of Patna. Known for his discipline and effective policing, Lohan’s appointment is being seen as an effort to strengthen the administration’s control in sensitive areas during the election period. He replaces Vikram Sihag, who was under investigation following the Mokama murder case.
According to the notification issued by the Home Department’s Reserve Branch on Monday, former Patna Rural SP Vikram Sihag has been directed to report to Police Headquarters until further orders. The department has also taken action against other officers linked to the case. Abhishek Singh, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Barh-2, has been suspended for his alleged negligence. He has been ordered to remain at the headquarters and not leave without permission from a competent officer. The department has also announced that departmental proceedings will be initiated against him.
The action comes after the Election Commission of India took serious note of the incident. On Saturday, the Commission directed the transfer of four officers, including Patna Rural SP Vikram Sihag. It also ordered the immediate removal of Barh’s Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Chandan Kumar, SDPO Barh-1 Rakesh Kumar, and SDPO Barh-2 Abhishek Singh. These steps have been taken to ensure fair conduct during the ongoing elections and to maintain public confidence in the administration.
The murder of Dularchand Yadav had not only sparked outrage in Mokama but also raised concerns about the safety of political workers during the election season. With the appointment of a new SP and disciplinary action against officers, the government aims to send a clear message that accountability will be enforced and negligence will not be tolerated.
