Bihar 24 JAN – A violent clash between supporters of former Bihar legislator Anant Singh and members of the Sonu-Monu gang has left tensions simmering in the Mokama area of Patna, police said on Friday.
The confrontation, which began on Wednesday, was sparked by a business dispute involving Mukesh Kumar, a resident of Nauranga village, and the two brothers, Sonu and Monu. Kumar, a partner in a brick kiln business with the brothers, had approached them to demand outstanding payments but was allegedly assaulted and locked inside a house, according to Patna Rural Superintendent of Police Vikram Sihag.
“Singh sent a message to Sonu and Monu to release Kumar, but they refused,” Sihag said. The former MLA later arrived at the village with his supporters, and gunfire erupted after Singh’s men allegedly opened fire, prompting retaliation from the opposing side.
A second incident of firing occurred near Kumar’s home on Thursday night, with police recovering cartridge shells from the scene. Authorities have arrested Sonu Singh and Roshan Kumar, a close aide of Anant Singh, in connection with the incidents, said the Station House Officer of Panchmahla police station. Investigations are ongoing to identify other individuals involved.
The violence has drawn sharp criticism from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), with opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav accusing the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) of fostering lawlessness in the state.
“Hundreds of rounds were fired, which is proof that people are not safe even in the vicinity of the state capital,” Yadav said in a statement. “Had it been any other government, there would have been debates on national television about the collapse of law and order in Bihar.” The incident underscores ongoing concerns over security and governance in Bihar, where high-profile clashes continue to make headlines.
