Patna, Sep 26 (IANS): Jailed legislator Sunil Pandey on Saturday quit Bihar's ruling Janata Dal-United (JD-U), a party leader said.

Pandey has sent his resignation to JD-U state unit president Vashisht Narain Singh, the leader said.

Pandey, a bahubali legislator from Terari constituency, was arrested in July on the charge of helping a gangster escape from judicial custody.

He was the second JD-U legislator to be arrested in a criminal case in middle of this year.

In June, Anant Singh, a legislator from Mokamah, was arrested in connection with a kidnapping-cum-murder case.

Both Anant Singh and Pandey belong to powerful upper caste Bhumihar, a community who plays influential role in Bihar's politics.

Early this month, Anant Singh known as "Chhote Sarkar" for his muscle and money power, resigned from the JD-U.

Anant Singh was arrested under pressure from Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad. The cases against him include those of murder and kidnapping.

He has announced to contest from his stronghold - Mokamah assembly seat - as an independent from behind the bars. His wife is looking after the campaigning of the polls.

The JD-U has fielded its spokesperson Neeraj Kumar from Mokamah.

Pandey is not likely to contest polls and likely to field his wife from Terari assembly seat.