JD(U) MLA Anant Singh Acquitted in ₹10 Crore Extortion Case After 11 Years

Patna, January 22:
In a significant legal relief for senior JD(U) leader and Mokama MLA Anant Singh, popularly known as “Chhote Sarkar”, the Special MP–MLA Court in Patna on Wednesday acquitted him in a high-profile ₹10 crore extortion case registered in 2014. The court cited lack of evidence as the primary reason for the acquittal.

Special Judge Pankaj Kumar Malviya, while delivering the verdict, held that the prosecution failed to produce credible evidence or reliable witnesses to substantiate the charges against the विधायक. Singh’s close associate Bantu Singh, who was also named in the case, was similarly acquitted.

Allegations Dating Back to 2014

The case originated from a complaint filed in 2014 at Sri Krishnapuri police station, where builder Raghavendra Pratap Singh alleged that Anant Singh and his associates had demanded ₹10 crore as extortion. According to the FIR, four men, including Bantu Singh, allegedly entered the complainant’s residence and threatened him, claiming they were acting on Anant Singh’s behalf.

Following the complaint, police filed a chargesheet against Anant Singh and Bantu Singh, and the matter remained under trial for over 11 years.

Prosecution Fails to Prove Charges

During the course of the trial, the prosecution’s case weakened considerably. Defence counsel Sunil Kumar argued that apart from the investigating officer, no key witnesses appeared before the court, nor were there sufficient documentary or material proofs linking the MLA directly to the alleged offence.

The court observed that the absence of witnesses and supporting evidence made it impossible to establish the charges beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the acquittal of both accused.

Supporters Celebrate Verdict

Soon after the verdict, Anant Singh’s supporters gathered outside the court premises and celebrated the decision, describing it as a victory of truth and justice. Political observers view the acquittal as a major boost for Singh, as it removes a long-standing criminal case that had cast a shadow over his public life.

The verdict is being seen as a crucial turning point in Anant Singh’s political and legal journey, bringing an end to a prolonged and contentious legal battle.