Who is Anant Singh? JDU Candidate Sent To 14 Days Custody in Dularchand Yadav Murder Case

Bihar's political landscape turned tense on Saturday night after the arrest of Anant Kumar Singh, the JD(U) candidate from Mokama, in connection with the murder of Jan Suraaj supporter Dularchand Yadav.

The arrest, carried out during a late-night operation, has reignited debate around the entry of controversial figures in state politics. Singh, a well-known name in Bihar's political circles, is contesting from his long-time bastion of Mokama, which goes to polls in the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections on November 6.

A Look at Anant Singh's Political Journey

Don-turned-politician Anant Singh has been a dominant force in Mokama for nearly two decades. Making his political debut in 2005, Singh went on to represent the constituency multiple times. His family has maintained a grip on Mokama since 1990, barring a brief phase when the seat was captured by a rival bahubali.

Singh retained his hold over the region with back-to-back victories - first as a JD(U) candidate, then as an Independent after quitting the party in 2015. Before the 2020 Bihar polls, he joined the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and again emerged victorious.

However, his political career took a hit in 2022 when he was convicted in an arms case and subsequently lost his seat. His wife, Neelam Devi, contested the bye-election from Mokama and managed to reclaim the seat. With JD(U) bringing him back into its fold, Singh is once again in the electoral fray, attempting a political comeback.

As per his nomination papers, Singh faces 28 pending criminal cases, including charges of murder, criminal conspiracy, torture, kidnapping, and assault. He has declared total assets worth ₹37.88 crore in his affidavit.

Singh's Controversial Past and Criminal Allegations

The Mokama region has long been a flashpoint for gang rivalries and political feuds. In January 2025, heavy firing reportedly broke out between Singh's supporters and the rival Sonu-Monu gang, escalating tensions in the area. Following the clashes, Singh surrendered in court and was sent to jail after being named in two FIRs.

His arrest came just months after his release from Beur Jail in Patna in August 2024, following his acquittal in an Arms Act case. Despite repeated legal troubles, Singh has continued to maintain his political influence and loyal voter base in Mokama.

Singh Named Main Accused in Dularchand Yadav's Murder

The latest controversy unfolded on October 30, when Jan Suraaj supporter Dularchand Yadav was shot dead during a violent confrontation between rival groups amid election campaigning in Mokama. The incident saw stone pelting and gunfire, leaving several injured.

Following the murder, the police arrested Singh along with two associates, Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram. Confirming Singh's role, Patna SSP Kartikeya Sharma stated, "It was found that all this happened in the presence of the candidate, Anant Singh, who is also the main accused in the case."

The Mokama constituency, known for its mix of politics and muscle power, is once again in the spotlight. With Singh's arrest, the contest between Anant Singh and Veena Devi is expected to be closely watched as Bihar heads toward a heated election season.