E-Paper
EC orders transfers of three officers days after Dularchand Yadav's murder in Bihar's Mokama
SDO of Barh-cum-Returning Officer of 178-Mokama Assembly Constituency, Chandan Kumar, has been replaced by Ashish Kumar.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a reshuffle of key officers in Bihar’s Mokama Assembly constituency following the murder of a Jan Suraaj supporter, even as two station house officers (SHOs) were suspended in connection with the case.
According to an ECI order issued on Saturday, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Barh-cum-Returning Officer of 178-Mokama Assembly Constituency, Chandan Kumar, has been replaced by Ashish Kumar, IAS, who is currently Additional Municipal Commissioner, Patna Municipal Corporation.
Similarly, Rakesh Kumar, SDPO Barh-1, and Abhishek Singh, SDPO Barh-2, have been transferred and replaced by Anand Kumar Singh and Ayush Shrivastava, both from the 2022 RR batch.
The poll body has also directed disciplinary proceedings against the three replaced officers.
The poll body further said that Patna (Rural) SP Vikram Sihag may be transferred and sought a panel of officers to be posted as a substitute in his place. It also sought a compliance report on the transfers by November 2.
The action comes after two station house officers (SHOs) — Ghoswari SHO Madhusudan Kumar and Bhadaur SHO Ravi Ranjan — were suspended earlier in the day in connection with the case, news agency PTI reported, citing the Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) of Patna.
The move follows the October 30 incident in which Dularchand Yadav, a supporter of Jan Suraaj, was killed during firing between rival groups while campaigning in Mokama.
The killing has triggered political outrage across Bihar, with leaders from various parties condemning the violence during the election campaign.
RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan’s chief ministerial candidate Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday condemned the violence in Mokama, asserting that such incidents have no place in a democracy.
Speaking to reporters, he criticised the administration and the Election Commission for their handling of the situation and demanded accountability over the incident, reported PTI.
High-stakes Mokama constituency
Mokama, long known as the bastion of powerful and controversial “bahubalis” in Bihar politics, including Anant Kumar Singh, his brother Dilip Singh, and Surajbhan Singh, is set for a high-stakes contest in the upcoming polls.
The constituency, which will vote in the first phase on November 6, will witness a face-off between Anant Singh, fielded by the Janata Dal (United), and Veena Devi, wife of former MP Surajbhan Singh, representing the Rashtriya Janata Dal.
Both belong to the Bhumihaar community, setting up a direct clash of political legacies.
Polling for the 243-member Bihar Assembly will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14.
