Patna Police has arrested Janata Dal United candidate and controversial former MLA Anant Singh from Mokama early on Sunday. This arrest has been made in connection with the murder of Jan Suraj Party worker Dularchand Yadav.
What happened and who was arrested?
Under the leadership of Patna Senior Superintendent of Police, the police reached Anant Singh’s Barh house and detained him. Anant Singh has been brought to Patna for questioning.
Police have also arrested two other people, Manikant Thakur and Ranjit Ram. All three will be presented before the magistrate soon. Patna SSP said that the post-mortem report and preliminary investigation reveal that it is a case of murder.
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Who was murdered?
Deceased Dularchand Yadav was campaigning in Mokama for Jan Suraj Party candidate Piyush Priyadarshi. He died in a clash during campaigning on Thursday. According to the post-mortem report, his death was not due to bullet injury, but due to a burst lung and fractures in several ribs. Anant Singh and four others have been named in the FIR lodged by Yadav’s grandson.
police investigation
The SSP said that initial investigation has revealed a clash between supporters of two rival candidates. Police came to know that Anant Singh was also present with his associates at the time of the incident. Anant Singh’s wife Neelam Devi is the current MLA from Mokama seat.
On the arrest, Jan Suraj candidate Piyush Priyadarshi said it was a ‘good step’ but the police should have taken action as soon as the FIR was registered. Anant Singh claimed that the attack was a conspiracy hatched by Surajbhan Singh, husband of RJD candidate Veena Devi.
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Election Commission’s tough stance
The Election Commission has taken a strong stance on this incident and has sought a detailed report from the District Election Officer. In view of the violence, the Commission has directed to transfer Patna Superintendent of Police (Rural) Vikram Sihag.
Apart from this, orders have been given to appoint new officers in place of Sub-Divisional Officer of Barh, Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Barh-1 and SDPO of Barh-2. Barh-2 SDPO Abhishek Singh has been ordered to be suspended and disciplinary action taken against all three.