Anant Kumar Singh, often referred to as "Chhote Sarkar" (Junior Government), is one of Bihar’s most infamous figures—a gangster whose life intertwines crime, power, and politics. Born into a Bhumihar family in rural Bihar, Singh’s journey from a small village to the corridors of political influence is marked by violence, charisma, and controversy. Known for his iron grip over the Mokama constituency and a rap sheet that includes murder, kidnapping, and illegal arms possession, Anant Singh’s biography is a gripping tale of a man who has defied odds to remain a dominant force in Bihar’s volatile socio-political landscape. This article delves into his early life, criminal empire, political rise, legal battles, and lasting legacy as of February 21, 2025.
Early Life and Family Background
Anant Singh was born in the early 1960s in Nadawan village, located in the Barh CD block of Bihar’s Patna district. Though his exact birth date remains uncertain, his roots in a Bhumihar family—a prominent upper-caste community in Bihar—played a pivotal role in shaping his identity and influence. His father, Chandradeep Singh, was a local figure, but it was his elder brother, Dilip Singh, who first brought the family into the spotlight. Dilip, a politician and muscleman, won the Mokama assembly seat in 1990 and 1995 as a Janata Dal member, laying the groundwork for Anant’s future.
Little is known about Anant’s formal education, with reports suggesting he had minimal schooling. Instead, he honed his skills in the rough-and-tumble world of rural Bihar, where caste loyalties and muscle power often trumped institutional authority. Married to Nilam Devi, who later became a political figure in her own right, Anant Singh’s family ties bolstered his regional dominance. His early years were shaped by the violent caste wars between Bhumihars and Rajputs, a conflict that would define his rise as a community "savior" and feared gangster.
The Rise of a Gangster: Anant Singh’s Criminal Empire
Anant Singh’s entry into the world of crime began under the shadow of his brothers. His eldest brother, Birachi Singh, a village headman and landlord, was allegedly killed by Naxalite sympathizers in the 1980s. Local legend claims that Anant, then a young enforcer, avenged Birachi’s death by tracking down and murdering the killer—an act that cemented his reputation as a ruthless figure. This story, whether fully true or embellished, became a cornerstone of his mythos in Mokama.
Following Dilip’s political ascent, Anant took over as the family’s muscle. By the 1980s and 1990s, he had established himself as a Bhumihar gang leader, leveraging caste loyalty to build a criminal network. His activities included extortion, land grabbing, and contract killings, often carried out with brazen impunity. Singh’s signature style—white attire, sunglasses, and a cigarette—made him a larger-than-life figure, akin to a Bollywood gangster. YouTube videos of him dancing with an AK-47 only amplified his notoriety.
One of his earliest high-profile crimes came in 2007 when he allegedly held two journalists from NDTV and ANI hostage in his official bungalow. The incident stemmed from their investigation into the murder and molestation of Reshma Khatoon, a case tied to Singh. This event thrust him into the national spotlight, exposing the nexus between crime and politics in Bihar. Despite the gravity of his actions, political protection from parties seeking Bhumihar votes shielded him from immediate consequences.
Political Ascendancy: From Gangster to Legislator
Anant Singh’s transition from gangster to politician was seamless, reflecting Bihar’s long history of "bahubali" (strongman) leaders. In 2005, he contested and won the Mokama assembly seat on a Janata Dal (United) (JDU) ticket under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s leadership—a paradoxical move given Kumar’s pledge to end the criminalization of politics. Singh’s victory marked the beginning of a remarkable electoral streak, winning the seat in 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020, often by wide margins.
His political rise was fueled by his Robin Hood-like image among Mokama’s poor and his ability to deliver results—whether through intimidation or grassroots support. Known as "Chhote Sarkar," Singh wielded more influence in his constituency than the state government, a fact highlighted by a 2010 Times of India headline: "Anant’s Sarkar in Mokama." His rallies drew massive crowds, and his accessibility endeared him to constituents who saw him as a protector against rival castes and systemic neglect.
However, Singh’s relationship with JDU soured in 2015 over the party’s alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). He quit JDU, contesting and winning as an independent that year. In 2020, he joined RJD, aligning with Tejashwi Yadav, and won again—this time from jail. His wife, Nilam Devi, stepped into the fray, winning Mokama in a 2022 by-election on an RJD ticket after his disqualification, only to switch to JDU in 2024, reflecting the couple’s pragmatic political maneuvers.
Criminal Cases and Legal Battles
Anant Singh’s life is as much a legal saga as it is a criminal one. His 2020 election affidavit lists 38 criminal charges, including 7 murders, 11 attempted murders, and 4 kidnappings. High-profile cases include:
- 2007 Journalist Hostage Crisis: Singh’s alleged abduction of journalists brought national scrutiny, though political backing diluted the fallout.
- 2015 Kidnapping-Murder Case: A raid on his residence uncovered a bulletproof jacket, Insas rifle magazines, and blood-stained clothes linked to the kidnapping and murder of four youths. He was arrested after a public altercation with police.
- 2019 Arms Act Case: Police recovered an AK-47, hand grenades, and ammunition from his ancestral home, leading to charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). In 2022, an MP-MLA court sentenced him to 10 years, disqualifying him as an MLA.
Despite these convictions, Singh’s legal team secured bail or acquittals in many cases. In August 2024, the Patna High Court set aside his Arms Act convictions, paving the way for his release from Beur Central Jail. Critics allege political vendettas, while supporters claim he’s a victim of caste-based targeting.
Personal Life and Public Image
Anant Singh’s marriage to Nilam Devi has been both a personal and political partnership. Nilam’s electoral success ensured the family’s grip on Mokama remained intact even during Anant’s incarceration. Beyond politics, Singh’s persona—marked by swagger and defiance—has made him a folk hero among Bhumihars, who view him as a counterweight to rival caste leaders like Lalu Yadav.
His wealth, estimated at Rs. 28 crore in his last affidavit, reflects his financial clout, though much of it is tied to alleged illicit gains. Supporters see him as a generous benefactor; detractors, a symbol of Bihar’s lawlessness.
Controversies and Political Influence
Singh’s parole releases have sparked debates about political favoritism. In May 2024, he was granted 15 days’ parole ahead of the Munger Lok Sabha polls, campaigning for JDU’s Lalan Singh—a move critics tied to electoral strategy. His ability to sway Bhumihar votes has made him a prized asset for parties like JDU and RJD, despite his criminal record.
The 2019 arrest, following Nitish Kumar’s crackdown on crime, was seen as a turning point—yet his 2024 acquittal and Nilam’s defection to JDU suggest his influence endures. Singh’s career highlights Bihar’s complex interplay of caste, crime, and governance.
Legacy and Current Status (February 21, 2025)
As of February 21, 2025, Anant Singh is a free man, his convictions overturned, and his political relevance intact. His release from jail in 2024, followed by a hero’s welcome, underscores his enduring popularity. While no longer an MLA, his wife’s position and his behind-the-scenes clout keep him a force in Bihar politics.
Singh’s legacy is dual-edged: a champion to his supporters, a cautionary tale of unchecked power to others. His life reflects the gritty reality of Bihar, where strongmen like him thrive amid systemic failures. Whether he returns to the electoral fray or remains a kingmaker, Anant Singh’s story is far from over.
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