Bihar Polls 2025: JD(U) Leader Arrested in Jan Suraaj Supporter's Murder Case

In a dramatic escalation of election-time violence in Bihar, JD(U) candidate Anant Singh has been arrested for allegedly shooting 75-year-old Dularchand Yadav “with intent to kill” during a clash between rival political convoys in Mokama’s Tartar village. Eyewitness accounts, CCTV footage, and forensic evidence indicate that Yadav was not only shot but also assaulted and run over, intensifying the political and legal stakes in the region.

The case, now registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, is already testing the new criminal code’s ability to handle complex, high-profile crimes. With multiple FIRs, hundreds of detentions, and Election Commission scrutiny, the investigation promises a deep dive into political rivalries, criminal liability, and the rule of law in Bihar’s volatile electoral landscape.

As the investigation unfolds, questions remain: Who fired the fatal shot? Who orchestrated the violence? And what will this mean for the upcoming elections in Mokama? The full story unravels the sequence of events, the legal framework, and the political fallout.

How It Happened: The Clash in Tartar Village

The violence erupted on October 30 around 3:30 PM when convoys of Anant Singh and Jan Suraaj Party candidate Priyadarshi Piyush encountered each other near Basawan Chak village. According to the FIR lodged by Neeraj Kumar, Singh and his aides approached Yadav’s vehicle, began abusing him, and escalated to firing a pistol.

As Yadav fell to the ground, two men allegedly assaulted him with iron rods, and the FIR claims he was run over by a Thar SUV two to three times. Multiple witnesses and CCTV footage confirm the chaotic scene, while forensic teams have collected blood samples and vehicle fragments to aid the investigation.

Legal Framework: BNS 2023 and Charges

The FIR has been lodged under:

• Section 103 (Murder) of the BNS 2023

• Section 3(5) (Common Intention)

• Section 27 of the Arms Act, 1959

These provisions target intentional homicide, coordinated criminal acts, and unlawful use of firearms, respectively. Legal experts note that the common intention clause will be pivotal in determining the liability of Singh and his aides.

Police Action and Investigation

Patna Police arrested Singh along with aides Manikant Thakur and Ranjit Ram late Saturday night. SSP Kartikeya K. Sharma confirmed the arrests were based on CCTV footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence.

The police have formed a CID-assisted team for further investigation. While the firearm has not been recovered, ballistic evidence and witness accounts are expected to play a critical role in establishing the sequence of events.

Election Commission Intervention

The Election Commission has sought a report from the Bihar DGP, citing violations of the Model Code of Conduct during the campaign. Following the incident, multiple administrative changes were made:

• Chandan Kumar, SDO-cum-Returning Officer of Mokama, replaced by Ashish Kumar

• Rakesh Kumar, SDPO Barh-1, replaced by Anand Kumar Singh (CID)

• Abhishek Singh, SDPO Barh-2, replaced by Ayush Shrivastava (ATS)

The ECI has also ordered disciplinary action and immediate suspension for officers found derelict in duty.

Profiles: The Accused and the Victim

Anant Singh, 64, known locally as “Chhote Sarkar”, has been a controversial political figure with over 50 criminal cases since 1979. He has previously faced murder and UAPA charges, though the Patna High Court acquitted him in 2024.

Dularchand Yadav, the victim, also had a criminal record but had recently shifted allegiance to the Jan Suraaj Party, intensifying the political rivalry that culminated in the fatal clash.

Why This Case Matters

This case is not just a high-profile murder investigation — it is a test of Bihar’s law enforcement and the newly implemented BNS 2023. It highlights the complex intersection of politics, criminality, and justice:

• Can the new code effectively address political violence?

• Will the courts hold prominent political figures accountable?

• How will this impact voter perception and election integrity in Bihar?

As the investigation unfolds and evidence is verified, the eyes of the state and nation remain fixed on Mokama, watching how law, politics, and accountability converge in real time.

Stay tuned as Veredicto continues to track developments in this landmark case.