Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Support Pappu Yadav, Call Arrest a Political Conspiracy; Links It to Patna NEET Student Case

Patna: Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi and party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi have voiced strong support for independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, following his arrest in Patna. Rahul Gandhi termed the arrest as an act of “political revenge,” asserting that Pappu Yadav was being intimidated for raising his voice in the controversial NEET aspirant student death case in Bihar.

Pappu Yadav was taken into custody by Patna police late Friday night in connection with a decades-old case from 1995. The charges, originally filed under the old Indian Penal Code, now fall under the contemporary Indian Penal Code, encompassing Sections 419, 420, 448, 468, 506, and 120B. Court proceedings had been ongoing, but the MP’s repeated absence led to his arrest.

Rahul Gandhi Condemns Arrest as Political Retaliation
Rahul Gandhi wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “The suspicious death of a NEET aspirant in Patna and the subsequent handling of the case have once again exposed the rot within the system. When the victim’s family demanded a fair investigation and justice, the old BJP-NDA model surfaced—misdirect the case, harass the family, and protect the perpetrators. MP Pappu Yadav stood firmly as a voice for justice for this young girl. His arrest today is clearly political revenge aimed at silencing every voice demanding accountability. Disturbingly, this is not an isolated incident. It indicates a frightening pattern where more daughters are becoming victims while power turns a blind eye. This is not politics—it is a matter of justice, dignity, and safety for the daughters of Bihar.”

Priyanka Gandhi Highlights Government Inaction
Priyanka Gandhi also spoke out against the arrest, emphasizing the seriousness of the NEET student case in Patna. “The case involving the sexual assault and murder of a student preparing for NEET in a hostel is deeply disturbing. From FIR registration to investigation and action, every step has been shrouded in suspicion. Whom is the government trying to protect? From Hathras and Unnao to Ankita Bhandari and now Patna—wherever women face atrocities, BJP governments often stand with the accused rather than the victim. The arrest of MP Pappu Yadav, who raised his voice in this case, reflects the same insensitive approach. The agenda of the BJP and its allies is clear—they stand with injustice and oppression.”

Details of the Arrest
According to police, Pappu Yadav was arrested late Friday night at his residence in Mandiri, Patna. He had arrived in the city earlier that evening. The 1995 case, registered at Gardani Bagh police station, had remained under judicial review for years. With his repeated absences in court, authorities proceeded with the arrest.