ECI Cracks Down in Bihar: Major Transfers, Suspensions Ahead of High-Stakes Mokama Battle

In a decisive move to ensure free and fair elections in Bihar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered sweeping administrative changes in the politically sensitive 178-Mokama Assembly Constituency, just days before the 2025 Assembly polls.

Citing "administrative concerns," the ECI, on November 1, 2025, approved the transfer of three key officers - including the Returning Officer of Mokama - and initiated disciplinary proceedings against them.

• Chandan Kumar (BAS), SDO Barh and Returning Officer of Mokama, has been replaced by Ashish Kumar, IAS, Additional Municipal Commissioner, Patna.
• Rakesh Kumar, SDPO Barh-1, has been replaced by Anand Kumar Singh, Dy. SP, CID Patna.
• Abhishek Singh, SDPO Barh-2, has been replaced by Ayush Shrivastava, Dy. SP, Anti-Terrorist Squad.

The ECI also ordered the immediate suspension of Abhishek Singh and directed that disciplinary proceedings be initiated against all three officials. Additionally, Patna Rural SP Vikram Sihag has been transferred, with the state government instructed to propose his replacement urgently.

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar has been asked to submit a compliance report by 12 PM on November 2, underlining the Commission's determination to maintain electoral integrity.

Violence and Suspensions After Jan Suraaj Supporter's Murder

The ECI's swift action follows a recent outbreak of violence in Mokama, where Jan Suraaj supporter Dular Chand Yadav was killed during election campaigning on October 30. Following the incident, two SHOs - Ghoswari SHO Madhusudan Kumar and Bhadaur SHO Ravi Ranjan - were suspended.

A post-mortem confirmed Yadav's death due to cardiorespiratory failure caused by gunfire injuries. The killing has intensified scrutiny on law enforcement and raised concerns over the safety of the electoral process.

Political Fallout

The incident triggered political outrage, with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav condemning the violence and questioning both the administration and the ECI for "failing to prevent bloodshed during elections." He said such acts were "a threat to democracy."

Mokama: Bihar's Flashpoint Constituency

Known for its turbulent electoral history, Mokama remains one of Bihar's most watched battlegrounds. The seat is infamous for being dominated by local strongmen such as Anant Singh, his brother Dilip Singh, and Surajbhan Singh.

For the 2025 Assembly elections, JD(U) has fielded Anant Singh, while RJD has nominated Veena Devi, wife of former MP Surajbhan Singh - setting up a direct face-off between two Bhumihaar heavyweights.