The village of Ladma in Mokama, Bihar, was once the seat of a formidable power figure, Anant Singh. Famously dubbed as 'Chhote Sarkar' within the state, his home was notorious for its strategic defenses. Tiny holes in the walls served as vantage points for rifles, always ready in the cover of night. A torch beam would pierce the darkness every few minutes, casting a stark silhouette that, if recognized, received a nod of approval; if not, a different fate awaited.
This tale is narrated by seasoned journalist Dnyaneshwar, who visited Anant Singh's abode during the 1998-99 parliamentary elections. It was during the infamous CPM (Chawal Pyaz Mutton) feast that various chapters of Anant Singh's storied life unfolded.
In a dramatic exchange, supporters loyal to Anant Singh and the infamous Sonu-Monu gang let loose 60-70 rounds of gunfire.
Following the skirmish, Anant Singh posted on social media: 'With Mahakal at my side, what can time do?' The gunfire near Patna stirred memories of the 90s—a time when caste-driven gang wars were rampant in Bihar.
The ominous history in the flood-affected regions stemmed from blood feuds between the Rajputs and Bhumihars. During these tumultuous times, Anant Singh emerged as a protector for the Bhumihars.
Source: aajtak
Sporting a striking moustache, cowboy hat, and sunglasses, Anant Singh was notorious for amassing both friendships and enmities. Despite numerous attacks, his rivalry with cousin Viveka Pahalwan was especially notable, as their properties stood adjoining.
In 2004, Anant Singh and thirty of his companions were sleeping on a rooftop when they came under attack. A bullet lodged in his back and went all the way to his chest. He was rushed to Alok Nursing Home on Khajanchi Road, where Dr. Narendra Singh insisted on immediate surgery.
Here, the plot thickens. A menacing call to the hospital threatened dire consequences should the surgery proceed. Standing by his brother, Dilip Singh oversaw the operation, amid allegations pointing to Viveka Pahalwan as the mastermind.
Anant Singh's reverence for his siblings was profound. The youngest among four, his world turned upside down following the murder of his elder brother, Biranchi Singh. Driven by revenge, Anant pursued his brother’s killer relentlessly until justice was personally served by the riverbank.
Anant Singh's Affection for Carriages
While often seen in luxury vehicles, Anant Singh's true prestige lay in horse-drawn carriages. Veteran journalists recount tales of his carriage fascination.
Dominating the road from Baad to Saksohara, Anant Singh thrived when Bihar's roads defied the movie-like promises of Lalu Yadav’s reign. Travelers relied on carriages since no one else could run them on his turf. His dominion ensured safety through a network of carriages, a hundred or more patrolling under his command.
Even as two minibuses emerged later, they too belonged to Singh, as did the stretch of road where rivals dared not tread.
Source: aajtak
Anant Singh orchestrated a secure domain, allowing carriage operators to retain earnings while bolstering his security. Each driver was required to stay overnight near his house, forming a protective 'N' perimeter to alert him to any intruders.
In an era marked by perennial danger, Anant Singh's residence shunned paved roads, ensuring enemies and law enforcement would be delayed. Any attempt at breaching the fortress had first to navigate the parked horses, whose vigilance alerted Singh’s men instantly. In a dash, Anant Singh and his gang could be on their way, thanks to horses familiar with every nook and cranny of the region; they evaded capture time and again.
His affection for equines even led him to a renowned animal fair in 2007 to procure Lalu's horse, a purchase secretly made via proxy.
Anant Singh debuted in politics with a hand extended by CM Nitish Kumar, facilitated through family ties.
Dilip Singh, Anant's elder brother, was a political heavy-lifter and a minister under Lalu Yadav’s regime, later overthrowing him for a legislative seat in the 80s under the Congress banner.
Amid 1994 political turmoil, with Lalu sidelining Nitish’s camp, it became urgent to recruit a formidable leader like Anant Singh for the crucial Baad-Mokama realm. His stronghold was pivotal, and he reciprocated by campaigning for Nitish Kumar’s victories in 1996, 1998, and 1999.
Anant Singh's stars aligned in 2005 with Nitish Kumar's endorsement for Mokama's Legislative Assembly seat under the Janata Dal United banner. Even amidst protests, Nitish defied critics to dismantle Lalu's systemic stronghold.
Victorious in his maiden election, Anant Singh transformed into the illustrious 'Chhote Sarkar.'
