Patna (Bihar) [India], November 2 (ANI): Congress leader Sachin Pilot on Sunday criticised the Bihar government over the increasing incidents of crime and violence in the state.

Reacting to the arrest of JDU's Mokama candidate Anant Singh in connection with the Dularchand Yadav murder case, Pilot questioned the government's ability to maintain law and order.

Pilot emphasised that those in power are accountable for the ongoing political violence and murders in Bihar. He demanded to know who would take responsibility for the crimes and the unchecked freedom given to antisocial elements.

The pilot acknowledged that the Election Commission has taken some measures under the Model Code of Conduct, but questioned the effectiveness of these measures in preventing violence and crime.

Pilot asserted that the state government is responsible for maintaining law and order and must face accountability for its failure to do so. He cited recent incidents of violence and crime, including murders, kidnappings, and looting, and asked who would take responsibility for these crimes.

'...Those in power are accountable for the ongoing political violence and murders in Bihar. Although a code of conduct is in place, Election Commission officials have taken some measures. The question remains: who is responsible for the violence, the unchecked freedom given to antisocial elements, and the ongoing looting, kidnappings, and murders?... Who will take responsibility for the murders that occurred right under their noses in Delhi and Patna? The state government is responsible and must face accountability...,' said Pilot.

Meanwhile, Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar on Sunday said that the death of Dularchand Yadav, which occurred during a violent clash between supporters of two candidates in Mokama on October 30, was caused by cardiac and respiratory failure, and not by a gunshot injury, as per the post-mortem report.

While addressing the press conference in Patna, the DGP informed that a bullet mark was found on the leg of the deceased, but it was not the cause of death.

'An FIR has been lodged in this matter, and a detailed post-mortem examination was conducted, including videographic documentation. A bullet mark was found on the leg of the deceased, but it was not the cause of death. The primary cause was determined to be cardiac and respiratory failure,' DGP Vinay Kumar said.

On October 30, the man, identified as Dularchand Yadav, was found dead, and several others were injured following a clash between alleged supporters of the Jan Suraaj Party and the Janata Dal (United) in Mokama assembly constituency.

'There were very few eyewitnesses, but the investigation is ongoing, including a recreation of the crime scene. The weapon used to fire the bullet into the deceased's leg has not yet been recovered. Several individuals allegedly involved and present at the time of the incident have been arrested. We are closely monitoring the candidates' movements and working to identify additional suspects based on available video footage. No one will be spared in this matter,' he asserted.

Providing details of the sequence of events, the DGP said, 'The incident that occurred on 30 October is being taken very seriously. It was an unfortunate incident involving the clash of supporters of two candidates while passing their vehicles. Heavy stone-pelting took place, resulting in injuries and the tragic death of Dular Chand Yadav.

'Earlier in the day, Anant Kumar Singh, the Janata Dal (United) candidate from Mokama, was arrested along with two associates, Manikant Thakur and Ranjeet Ram, by Patna Police in connection with the murder case of Dularchand Yadav.

On Saturday, two station house officers (SHOs) were suspended in connection with the murder case, officials confirmed. According to the Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) of Patna, Ghoswari SHO Madhusudan Kumar and Bhadaur SHO Ravi Ranjan have been suspended in the case.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered the immediate transfer of key administrative and police officials posted from the Mokama Assembly constituency and directed disciplinary action against them.

According to an official statement from the poll body, the Commission has approved the transfer of Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Barh-cum-Returning Officer, Chandan Kumar; Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Barh-1, Rakesh Kumar; and SDPO Barh-2, Abhishek Singh, in connection with Mokama Assembly Constituency.

The voting for the 243-seat Bihar Assembly will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11. The results will be declared on November 14. (ANI)