JD(U) leader Anant Singh’s arrest, sanctioned at the highest levels, signals Nitish Kumar’s intent to reclaim his image as a law-and-order leader amid mounting criticism over governance failures and rising rural violence.
BY PC Bureau
November 2, 2025: In a dramatic political twist that has stirred Bihar’s political circles, Janata Dal (United) candidate from Mokama, Anant Singh, was arrested early Sunday in connection with a murder case that erupted from a violent clash between supporters of the Jan Suraaj Party and the JD(U) in Tartar village of Patna district. The arrest, coming just days before polling, is widely being seen as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s attempt to counter growing opposition criticism over “criminalisation of politics” and lawlessness in Bihar.
The clash erupted on Thursday afternoon, between 3:30 and 3:40 pm, when the Ghoswari police station in-charge received reports of a violent altercation between two rival groups near Tartar village. Responding swiftly, police teams rushed to the scene and found two to three vehicles abandoned on the roadside, their windshields shattered and the area littered with evidence of a fierce confrontation.
Inside one of the vehicles lay the body of 75-year-old Dular Chand Yadav, son of Prasadi Yadav, a long-time resident of Tartar. According to officials, Dular Chand was far from an ordinary villager—he was known for his deep and shifting connections with some of Bihar’s most powerful figures, from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to RJD supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav, and even with the man now accused in his killing, Anant Singh.
Police sources confirmed that Dular Chand himself faced multiple criminal charges, including cases of murder and violations under the Arms Act. Several others injured in the clash have been hospitalized, and their statements are currently being recorded as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to the complaint lodged, Jan Suraaj Party candidate Priyadarshi Piyush told police he was en route to campaign when his convoy encountered Anant Singh’s supporters between Tartar and Basavanchak villages. Around the same time, the JD(U) camp reported that Anant Singh’s convoy had come under attack near Basavanchak. The police have since registered a case of murder and rioting against unidentified persons from both sides.
By Saturday evening, intelligence reports suggested that the clash had deep political undertones, with local dominance, caste equations, and legacy rivalries playing into the violence. Following sustained pressure from top state officials and Election Commission observers, the police arrested Anant Singh from his residence early Sunday morning.
VIDEO | Patna: SSP Kartikeyan K Sharma said, “JD(U) candidate Anant Kumar Singh has been arrested along with two of his associates. His name figures in the FIR related to the death case (of Dularchand Yadav), and he was also present at the place of the incident. Hence, his… pic.twitter.com/yZRBSaJRar
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 2, 2025
Background: The Many Faces of Anant Singh
Known locally as “Chhote Sarkar”, Anant Singh has been one of Bihar’s most notorious and influential figures for over two decades. Born in Barh subdivision of Patna district, Singh rose from local muscleman to political heavyweight during the turbulent 1990s, when bahubalis (strongmen) became indispensable power brokers in Bihar’s electoral politics.
- Early Criminal Record: Singh’s name has been linked to numerous criminal cases, including murder, kidnapping, extortion, and illegal arms possession. At one point, police records listed over 30 cases against him.
- Political Career: Despite his criminal background, Anant Singh was first elected as an RJD MLA from Mokama in 2005. Known for his rustic charisma and ability to command loyalty across caste lines, he retained his seat multiple times.
- Defection to JD(U): In 2015, Singh joined Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), becoming a key enforcer for the party in the Mokama-Barh belt. His influence in the area was such that few dared contest against him.
- Frequent Run-ins with Law: Singh’s relationship with law enforcement has been turbulent. In 2019, he was arrested after an AK-47 rifle and grenades were recovered from his residence. He spent months in jail before securing bail. Despite these cases, he continued to maintain political relevance and grassroots support.
Political Implications: Nitish’s Balancing Act
The timing of Singh’s arrest has triggered intense political speculation. Coming on the eve of the Assembly polls, it is being interpreted as an effort by Nitish Kumar to demonstrate firmness against criminality—even when it affects his own party candidate.
The Opposition, led by RJD and Jan Suraaj Party, had accused the government of “shielding bahubalis” and letting muscle power dominate electoral contests. By allowing Anant Singh’s arrest to proceed, Nitish seems to be preemptively blunting that criticism and projecting an image of neutrality and law enforcement.
However, political analysts point out that the move carries risk. Mokama, a stronghold built around Singh’s personal network, could now see sympathy consolidation around him, potentially splitting votes or even benefiting the Jan Suraaj candidate.
A senior JD(U) functionary admitted privately, “This was a tough call. Anant Singh commands both fear and loyalty. But Nitishji wanted to send a message—no one is above the law.”
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The Broader Context: Muscle and Mandate
Anant Singh’s arrest once again highlights Bihar’s enduring struggle to separate crime from politics. For decades, the state’s electoral map has been shaped by local strongmen who wield both muscle and money power. In regions like Mokama, Barh, and Begusarai, political influence often flows through networks of loyalty, fear, and caste solidarity rather than party lines.
While Nitish Kumar has long projected his rule as one of “sushasan” (good governance), critics argue that the persistence of figures like Anant Singh underlines the fragile nature of law and order in the state.
The incident also comes at a time when the Election Commission has been keeping a close watch on Bihar’s volatile constituencies, especially those with histories of poll violence.
With Anant Singh behind bars, JD(U) finds itself in a delicate position—facing both the moral high ground and a potential electoral vacuum in Mokama. The coming days will reveal whether Nitish Kumar’s decision strengthens his image as a rule-bound leader or weakens his party’s grip in one of its most crucial bastions.
For now, the arrest of the “Mokama don” stands as both a symbol and a test:
Can Bihar’s politics truly move beyond the shadow of its bahubalis, or will their legend continue to dominate its democracy?
