Gangs of Mokama:
The very mention of Mokama echoes with the sound of bullets, political feuds, and the dominant aura of musclemen. Once an industrial hub, Mokama now stands as a witness to gang wars. Whether Anant Singh, Surajbhan, Sonu-Monu, or the Tal Group, these four names share one tale: power, land, and revenge. Death lurks at every corner, and each street is under some gang's control. From the 1980s till now, the criminal history of Mokama is rich with stories of bloodshed, politics, and vendettas. During election times, the atmosphere becomes explosive, where bullets often precede ballots. Discover Mokama's 'endless' story.
Rise of the Crime Capital
Mokama, a significant industrial center of Bihar, once shined bright with railway yards and factories during the British era. However, since the 1980s, crime has taken deep roots. The fight for land and dominance in the Ganges' Tal region birthed gang wars. The infamous rise of musclemen like Anant Singh occurred here. This area, famous for its pulse cultivation, now makes headlines for violence. Police reports suggest dozens of shooting incidents occur every year. Locals claim that law holds less power while gang rule prevails. Mokama's soil remains stained with blood.
The Journey of 'Chote Sarkar' Anant Singh
Anant Singh was born in 1961 in Ladma village of Mokama. A prominent figure from the Bhumihar community, he is considered the area's biggest strongman. Since the 1990s, he has been an MLA from Mokama, contesting from both JDU and RJD. According to a 2020 affidavit, he had 38 criminal cases against him, with serious charges of murder, kidnapping, and extortion. In 2019, an AK-47 rifle was found in his home, leading to a 10-year sentence but he got acquitted in 2024. Supporters hail him as a public leader, while critics brand him Mokama's don. His wealth is estimated over 100 crores, with luxury cars such as Land Cruiser in his fleet.
Old Enemy, New Politics
Surajbhan Singh is also a renowned strongman from Mokama, becoming an MLA from jail in 2000. He defeated Anant Singh's elder brother, Dilip Singh, and faced trials for the murder of Rami Singh. Recently joined the RJD, with his wife, Veena Devi, contesting from Mokama for them. Surajbhan had compared Anant Singh to Ravan, remarking that even Ravan met his end. His entry has escalated the musclemen vs. musclemen battle in Mokama, promising to tackle the waterlogging issues of the Tal region. Surajbhan's influence holds sway over Yadav and Rajput votes.
Sonu-Monu Gang: The New Face of Challenge
Brothers Sonu and Monu hail from Jalalpur village in Mokama. With their father being a lawyer, both engage in a clay brick business. They face over a dozen cases of murder, kidnapping, and extortion. Notably, they once worked for Anant Singh but later drifted into enmity. In 2017-18, they plotted against the mafia leader Anant Singh. Their dispute worsened during the panchayat elections. In January 2025, they fired 60-70 rounds in Nauranga village. Sonu asserted, 'We will teach the definition of arms and scriptures.' Monu was eventually arrested by the STF in August 2025. Their gang reportedly maintains ties with UP’s Mukhtar Ansari gang.
Dular Chand Yadav's Reign of Fear
Mokama's Tal area, nestled by the Ganges, has been ruled by Dular Chand Yadav's faction since the 1980s. Accused of land grabs, extortion, and shootings, 76-year-old Dular Chand was arrested in 2019 by ASP Lipi Singh. Several cases were lodged against him in multiple police stations. He often challenged the mighty Anant Singh, proclaiming that 'big sarkar' has arrived against 'small sarkar.' During the 2025 elections, he campaigned for Piyush Priyadarshi of the Jan Suraj, holding sway in the Tal region but also plenty of foes. Locals narrate that the Tal group, which began with mere thefts, escalated into violence, unveiled by Dular Chand's murder.
Gang Wars and the Fight for Dominance
The roots of gang wars in Mokama began to deepen from 1980. Resultantly, a blood feud between mafia dons like Anant Singh and Viveka Pahalwan ensued, as both hailed from Ladma village. Many families lost loved ones due to the shootouts. Caste wars between Bhumihar-Rajput communities further fueled the fire, paving the way for new factions like Sonu-Monu. The conflict in the struggle for dominance involved land, extortion, and panchayat elections. Police reports indicate that Tal was most affected, witnessing hundreds of incidents since the 1990s. Anant Singh claims it as Surajbhan's ploy, yet history testifies that in Mokama, gang rule overshadows the law.
Attack on Anant Singh
On January 22, 2025, chaos overwhelmed Nauranaga-Jalalpur village. Anant Singh had arrived to mediate a dispute when gunshots suddenly rang out. The Sonu-Monu gang fired 60-70 rounds, yet Anant Singh narrowly escaped. The dispute originated over placing a lock on Mukesh Singh's house. Following the incident, an FIR was lodged against all three. Supporters of Anant Singh retaliated with gunfire, spreading tension. The STF initiated an investigation. Sonu remarked, 'The political rebellion will persist,’ while Anant noted, 'History is old.' The event thrust Mokama into the limelight once again.
Dular Chand Murder Shocks Mokama
On October 30, 2025, Mokama's Ghoswari locality was shaken when Dular Chand Yadav was shot dead. Campaigning for the Jan Suraj party, he was trailing Anant Singh's convoy. It was reported that before the murder, Anant Singh's supporters had attacked with batons. The FIR names Anant Singh, Karmavi Singh, and three others. Dular Chand's grandson claims Anant orchestrated the murder while Anant Singh blamed Surajbhan, stating Dular Chand was his disciple. Thousands attended Dular Chand's funeral, with shops shuttered and slogans roaring. Police summoned FSL teams to the crime scene to begin investigations. The incident before the election stunned Bihar.
The Enmity Between Sonu-Monu and Anant Singh
The rivalry between Sonu-Monu and Anant started due to panchayat elections, although they once had good relations. After being released from jail, the two factions reconciled. Still, the power struggle and a woman named Neha Kumari rekindled their enmity. Sonu even declared that they intended to kill Anant Singh. At that time, Anant stated he was rescuing Mukesh, leading to 100 rounds of gunfire. The Sonu-Monu gang is formidable, wielding weapons like AK-47s. Police nabbed Monu from Barauni. This feud has left Mokama in terror.
Surajbhan's Role in Dular Chand's Murder?
Surajbhan Singh has refuted claims of involvement in Dular Chand's murder, while Anant Singh blamed him. Surajbhan contends it's Anant's play. Vowing to voters, he pledges facilities like a medical college and employment hub, aligning with RJD. His wife, Veena Devi, is contesting the elections, wielding influence in the Tal region. Anant Singh retorted, asserting Surajbhan never fought him directly, although he vanquished Anant’s brother in 2000. It appears Surajbhan's entry intensified the election violence, as tensions between the factions peaked.
The Violent Game in the Election Atmosphere
In the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Mokama has emerged as a hot seat. While Anant Singh contests from JDU, Veena from RJD, and Jan Suraj's Piyush Priyadarshi are in the fray. However, Dular Chand Yadav's murder tarnished the peace. His convoy was attacked, and vehicles vandalized. Prashant Kishor condemned the incident, with JDU affirming that the law will prevail. Anant's supporters allege conspiracy. With voting just six days away, violence persists. Security in Mokama has been ramped up.
Police Action
The police have filed an FIR related to Dular Chand's murder, naming Anant Singh and four others. Meanwhile, three FIRs have been lodged against Sonu-Monu under the Arms Act and firing incidents. The STF has apprehended one accused, Monu, with police camping in the area. A massive police force has been deployed in Mokama.
