Patna, June 24 (IANS): Bihar JD-U legislator Anant Singh was on Wednesday detained for questioning after a case of kidnapping and murder was lodged against him, police said.

Under increasing pressure from the opposition and allies Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress, the Janata Dal-United government of Nitish Kumar directed the police to go ahead and take action against Anant Singh, known as "Chhote Sarkar" for his muscle and money power.

"A large number of security personnel have surrounded the official bungalow of Anant Singh and he was detained for interrogation in connection with the case," a police official said.

According to top police officials here, Anant Singh's arrest cannot be ruled out if the police find clear evidence against him during the ongoing preliminary investigation.

Anant Singh's name came into the picture when four criminals arrested by Patna police in connection with a kidnapping and murder case revealed his involvement in it.

Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party leaders have accused Nitish Kumar of transferring out Patna police chief Jitendra Rana -- who arrested the criminals -- to protect Anant Singh.

Rana told media persons that the criminals allegedly responsible for the June 17 abduction of four men from Barh in Patna district -- one of those abducted was later murdered -- confessed to the police that they were acting on Anant Singh's orders.

Anant Singh has, however, denied any involvement in the case, and his party has also backed him.

The legislator, who belongs to the powerful upper caste Bhumihar community and is considered close to Nitish Kumar, has dozens of criminal cases, including several for murder, kidnapping and extortion, registered against him.