Rahul Gandhi calls Pappu Yadav arrest 'political vendetta' over NEET case
Rahul Gandhi calls Pappu Yadav arrest 'political vendetta' over NEET case
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi labels the arrest as political vendetta to derail justice in the NEET aspirant death case in Patna.
Rahul Gandhi grilled the timing and motive of the arrest of Bihar MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, calling it a clear example of political vendetta meant to harass voices demanding accountability. In a post on X, the Congress leader argued that Yadav’s actions had stood up for a missing ingredient in the NEET aspirant death case — justice for the family and the safety of Bihar’s daughters — and claimed the arrest was part of a broader pattern used by the ruling alliance to derail inquiries and shield culprits. This stance comes as pressure mounts over a case that has stirred political controversy and calls for a transparent investigation.
Pappu Yadav was arrested late at his Patna residence in the Mandiri locality in connection with a 1995 forgery case (section 467 of the Indian Penal Code). Police representatives moved in to execute the warrant issued by an MP/MLA court. The arrest sparked immediate questions about due process and the potential political dimensions of the timing, with Yadav reportedly expressing fears for his safety and requesting to be taken directly to court. He was later admitted to a hospital in Patna due to health concerns, underscoring the fragile health situation often seen with high-profile detentions.
The NEET aspirant’s death in Patna’s Chitragupt Nagar last month has been at the heart of a fierce public dispute. The student from Jehanabad was found unconscious in a girls’ hostel and died after remaining in a coma for several days. The family has alleged sexual assault and a cover-up, prompting political actors to call for a thorough investigation. In response to public outcry, the Bihar government has recommended a CBI probe into the death, adding a federal dimension to what has become a symbolically charged case that tests accountability across political lines.
The dialogue around the arrest and the NEET case has amplified tensions in Bihar’s political landscape, with opposition leaders insisting on justice and transparency while the ruling coalition emphasizes the due process of law. As the legal process unfolds, observers say the unfolding events could influence public perception of accountability and the handling of sensitive cases involving powerful figures. More details are expected as court proceedings and investigative updates continue.
