Bihar MLA Jailed in Decades-Old Case After Being Declared Fugitive

A 24-year-old case has caught up with Mahanand Singh, the MLA from Arwal. The Civil Court in Jehanabad, Bihar, on Monday, August 4th, issued an order to send Mahanand Singh to judicial custody. Having been declared a fugitive in the old case, Singh’s MLA status is now in jeopardy. The court, presided over by SDJM Manish Kumar, sent him to Mandal Kara Kako. This action is related to a criminal case registered in 2001. Singh, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) MLA, was taken to Jehanabad Sadar Hospital for a COVID-19 test on Monday before being sent to judicial custody. The court’s decision led to a commotion in the court complex. The police, following the court’s directives, took the MLA into custody. Singh’s supporters expressed their displeasure and some suggested it was a politically motivated move. Singh is accused of obstructing government work. The case relates to a road blockade in Jehanabad during an agitation against the arrest of CPI (ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya in 2001. A case was filed against him under various sections, including obstructing government work, under Nagar Thana Case No. 67/2001.