Patna: In a dramatic late-night development, police arrested Bahubali leader and JD(U) candidate Anant Singh in connection with the murder of Dularchand Yadav in Mokama on October 30. The arrest came hours after the Election Commission (EC) of India took unprecedented action, removing senior administrative and police officers — from the Superintendent of Police to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate — over alleged negligence during the ongoing election period.
According to officials, the EC’s strict action followed major lapses in election-related law and order. Campaigns in Mokama were reportedly being conducted with convoys of 40–50 vehicles despite clear directives against such processions. Although weapons had been deposited ahead of polling, gunfire erupted during a clash between supporters of rival candidates, leading to Dularchand Yadav’s death.
Mass Transfers Ordered Within an Hour
In response to the lapses, the Election Commission removed several officers, including Chandan Kumar, SDM of Barh and administrative in-charge of the Mokama Assembly constituency. IAS officer Ashish Kumar, currently Additional Commissioner of the Patna Municipal Corporation, has been appointed as the new SDM.
Barh SDPO-1 Rakesh Kumar has also been removed and replaced by Anand Kumar Singh, a Deputy Superintendent of Police from the CID. Barh Police Station Officer Abhishek Singh has been suspended, while DSP Ayush Srivastava from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has been appointed in his place. Patna Rural SP Vikram Sihag has also been transferred.
The General Administration Department issued posting orders within an hour of receiving the EC’s directive, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Both new SDPOs — Anand Kumar Singh and Ayush Srivastava — are 65th-batch BPSC officers in their second postings.
Key Reasons Behind Election Commission’s Action
- Convoy Violations: Both Anant Singh (JDU) and Piyush Priyadarshi (Jan Suraj Party) campaigned with convoys of 40–50 vehicles, flouting EC guidelines.
- Weapons Mismanagement: Despite licensed weapons being deposited, firing took place during campaigning, raising serious questions about enforcement.
- Delayed Reporting: Officials failed to promptly inform the Election Commission about Dularchand’s murder, which occurred at 3:30 pm on October 30.
- Security Failure: Despite Mokama being a sensitive constituency, the administration failed to prevent the violent clash between supporters of two candidates near Basavanchak village.
- No Checkpoints: Police failed to install mandatory checking points, allowing unchecked vehicle movement during campaigning.
Profiles of Newly Appointed Officers
IAS Ashish Kumar (2022 batch) — A native of Araria, Ashish Kumar previously served as SDO of Chhapra and is known to be close to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
DSP Anand Kumar Singh (65th BPSC batch) — From Raxaul, East Champaran, Anand served in Siwan during probation and later at the Police Headquarters. He is currently overseeing security arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ara on November 2.
DSP Ayush Srivastava (65th BPSC batch) — Originally from Uttar Pradesh, Ayush served in Supaul during probation and was posted with the ATS before being assigned as SDPO-2 of Barh. His biggest challenge now will be ensuring peaceful polling in the Mokama constituency, where the murder occurred.
Removed Officers
Among those removed are Rural SP Vikram Sihag, a 2019-batch IPS officer, and SDM Chandan Kumar, a 24th-batch Bihar Administrative Service officer, who has been placed on a waiting list.
Tejashwi Yadav Slams Election Commission
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav lashed out at the Election Commission before the transfers were announced, saying, “Is the Election Commission dead? NDA candidates are committing murders in broad daylight. The accused is campaigning with hundreds of vehicles and guns while police look away. Is the law only for the opposition?”
