Patna, Bihar – Union Minister Chirag Paswan has asserted that the arrest of Anant Singh, a Janata Dal (United) [JD(U)] candidate, demonstrates the government's commitment to combating crime, refuting claims of shielding criminals. Singh was arrested in connection with the death of Dularchand Yadav, a supporter of the Jan Suraaj Party, who died during campaigning in Mokama.
The arrest followed an FIR filed against Singh, who is seeking to reclaim the Mokama seat, after Yadav's death on Thursday. Yadav's post-mortem report indicated that he died of cardiorespiratory failure due to injuries to his heart and lungs. Police have registered multiple FIRs related to the incident.
Paswan's statement came in response to accusations from Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, who alleged " महा जंगल राज" (maha jungle raj) in Bihar. Paswan countered that if the government were protecting criminals, the arrest would not have occurred. He affirmed that the government, under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, is committed to impartial justice, neither framing nor protecting anyone. "No criminal will be spared, and the toughest action will be taken. As soon as facts and evidence emerge, we act immediately," Paswan stated.
Anant Singh, a controversial ex-MLA, was apprehended from his residence in Barh, approximately 200 km from Patna. Patna's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kartikeya Sharma, confirmed the arrest but did not provide additional details. Singh, along with two associates, Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram, will be presented before a magistrate. SSP Sharma noted that the arrests were based on evidence, eyewitness accounts, and the post-mortem report, which indicated Singh's presence at the scene. Raids are ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved.
Piyush Priyadarshi, the Jan Suraaj candidate, welcomed Singh's arrest but questioned the delay in taking action, alleging that Singh was openly campaigning with a convoy despite the FIR. He emphasized the importance of a fair investigation and said that the arrest brings relief to the victim's family.
The arrest has stirred political reactions, with Congress leader Pawan Khera commenting on the "truth of the real 'jungle raj'". Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manoj Tiwari has alleged that his convoy was attacked by RJD workers during campaigning in Dumraon.
Anant Singh has released a video message expressing his faith in the people of Mokama. The Mokama assembly seat is currently represented by Singh's wife, Neelam Devi. The incident and subsequent arrest have intensified the political atmosphere as Bihar prepares for the upcoming elections.
