MLA Mahanand Singh Arrested, Faces Jail Time in 24-Year-Old Case

A 24-year-old case has resulted in the arrest of Mahanand Singh, the MLA from Arwal. On August 4th, the Civil Court in Jehanabad, Bihar, ordered Singh to be held in judicial custody. This followed his declaration as a fugitive in the old case, and his position as an MLA is now uncertain. SDJM Manish Kumar directed that Singh be sent to Mandal Kara Kako. The charges relate to a 2001 criminal case. On Monday, Singh, a Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) MLA, was taken for a COVID-19 test at Jehanabad Sadar Hospital before being taken into judicial custody. The court’s decision led to significant unrest within the court premises. Police acted swiftly, taking the MLA into custody as per the court’s instructions. Singh’s supporters voiced their displeasure, with some attributing it to political motives. He is charged with obstructing government work. The case originates from a 2001 incident when Singh allegedly participated in a road blockade in Jehanabad during a protest against the arrest of CPI (ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, resulting in charges of obstructing government work.