Tejashwi Yadav calls family of slain Bhojpur Customs officer, vows justice
Synopsis
RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav personally reached out to the family of retired Customs officer Ramkumar Singh — shot dead in Ara on 15 October — pledging justice via video call. With 14 named accused, the prime suspect arrested at Kolkata airport, and a suspected land dispute as motive, the case is fast becoming a flashpoint for Bihar's law-and-order debate.
Key Takeaways
Tejashwi Prasad Yadav spoke to the family of murder victim Ramkumar Singh via video call on 19 October 2026 , pledging support for justice.
Ramkumar Singh , a retired Customs officer and president of the Kshatriya Kalyan Sangathan , was shot dead on 15 October 2026 in Ara , Bhojpur district.
An FIR has been filed against 14 named accused ; alleged prime accused Chandan Singh and associate Abhishek Yadav were arrested at Kolkata airport .
The family suspects a land dispute as the motive, but police have not yet officially confirmed it.
The case has triggered political reactions in Bihar, with opposition leaders questioning the state's law-and-order record.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) National Working President and Leader of the Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, on Monday, 19 October 2026, connected with the bereaved family of murdered retired Customs officer Ramkumar Singh over a video call, offering condolences and pledging support in their fight for justice. The killing of Singh, a prominent community figure in Bhojpur district, has set off a wave of political reaction across Bihar.
What Tejashwi Said to the Family
During the call, Tejashwi spoke directly with the deceased's son, Rakesh Singh, expressed his sympathies over the loss, and sought specific details about the incident. He assured the family that those responsible must be brought to justice at the earliest. The interaction was reportedly facilitated by former Jagdishpur MLA Bhai Dinesh and RJD state general secretary Manoj Singh.
The Murder: What Is Known
Ramkumar Singh, who also served as president of the Kshatriya Kalyan Sangathan, was shot dead on the morning of 15 October 2026 in the Kanakpuri locality under Nawada police station limits in Ara, Bhojpur district. Singh hailed from the Bihiya block of Bhojpur and had been residing with his family at the district headquarters in Ara. He was described by those who knew him as an influential figure deeply involved in community and social activities.
FIR Filed, Key Suspects Arrested
Following a complaint lodged by the victim's son, Amit Kumar Singh alias Goldy, an FIR under the relevant sections of murder was registered against 14 named accused, according to information provided by officials. Police initially arrested one of the named suspects and remanded him to judicial custody. In a subsequent development, the alleged prime accused, Chandan Singh, and his associate, Abhishek Yadav, were arrested at Kolkata airport in West Bengal.
Motive Under Investigation
The family suspects that a land dispute may have been the trigger for the killing; however, the exact motive is yet to be officially established. Police are continuing their investigation to determine the roles of the remaining accused, examine the alleged conspiracy, and confirm the sequence of events leading to Singh's death. Further details are expected to emerge as the probe progresses.
Political Fallout in Bihar
The murder has generated significant political attention in Bihar, with opposition leaders — Tejashwi among the most vocal — raising questions about both the incident and the pace of the investigation. This comes amid a broader pattern of rising concerns over law and order in the state ahead of the next electoral cycle. Tejashwi's direct engagement with the victim's family signals that the RJD intends to keep pressure on the state government over the case.
Point of View
But the deeper question is why an FIR naming 14 persons took multiple days to yield coordinated arrests. With Bihar elections on the horizon, every high-profile crime becomes a referendum on governance, and the RJD will not let this one fade quietly.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ramkumar Singh and how was he killed?
Ramkumar Singh was a retired Customs officer and president of the Kshatriya Kalyan Sangathan who lived in Ara, Bhojpur district, Bihar. He was shot dead on the morning of 15 October 2026 in the Kanakpuri locality under Nawada police station limits.
Why did Tejashwi Yadav call Ramkumar Singh's family?
Tejashwi Prasad Yadav reached out via video call on 19 October to offer condolences and assure the family of his support in seeking justice. The call was facilitated by former Jagdishpur MLA Bhai Dinesh and RJD state general secretary Manoj Singh.
Who has been arrested in connection with the Bhojpur murder?
Police initially arrested one named suspect and sent him to jail. The alleged prime accused, Chandan Singh, and his associate, Abhishek Yadav, were subsequently arrested at Kolkata airport in West Bengal. A total of 14 persons are named in the FIR.
What is the suspected motive behind the killing?
The victim's family suspects a land dispute may have been behind the murder. However, police have not yet officially confirmed the motive and are continuing their investigation to establish the full sequence of events and the roles of all accused.
What is the political significance of this case in Bihar?
The murder has become a flashpoint in Bihar's law-and-order debate, with opposition leaders including Tejashwi Yadav raising questions about the state government's response. The case is drawing heightened scrutiny ahead of the next electoral cycle in the state.
