Rahul Gandhi Condemns Pappu Yadav's Arrest as Political Vendetta in NEET Student Death Case
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has strongly criticized the arrest of Purnia MP Pappu Yadav, labeling it a clear act of political vendetta. The arrest came after Yadav failed to appear in court for a 1995 land dispute case, but Gandhi asserts the real motive is to silence voices demanding justice for a NEET aspirant who died under mysterious circumstances in a Patna hostel.
Congress Leader's Accusations Against BJP-NDA Alliance
In a detailed post on social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi expressed his outrage over the incident. He stated, "Standing firmly as the voice for justice for this daughter was fellow MP Pappu Yadav ji. His arrest today is clearly an act of political vendetta, aimed at intimidating and silencing every voice that demands accountability." Gandhi accused the ruling BJP-NDA alliance of employing a familiar strategy to derail the case, harass the victim's family, and protect the culprits using state power.
The Congress leader highlighted the broader issue of rising crimes against women in Bihar, criticizing the government's apparent indifference. "This incident points toward a terrifying conspiracy and a dangerous pattern, where more daughters are falling victim, and those in power sit with eyes shut to this horrifying reality," he emphasized, framing it as a matter of justice and safety rather than mere politics.
Pappu Yadav's Arrest and Safety Concerns
Pappu Yadav was taken into custody on Friday following his failure to appear in a long-standing land dispute case from 1995. Prior to his arrest, the Purnia MP had voiced serious concerns about his personal safety, stating, "I have doubts that these people might have killed me. I will go straight to the Court. I will not go to the police station. If they want, they can house arrest me." His remarks underscore the tense political climate surrounding the case.
Priyanka Gandhi Joins in Condemnation
Adding to the chorus of criticism, Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi expressed utter shock over the NEET student death case. She questioned the government's handling of the investigation, noting that every step from the FIR registration to actions taken has been shrouded in suspicion. "From Hathras and Unnao to Ankita Bhandari and Patna—wherever atrocities against women occur, BJP governments stand with the accused instead of delivering justice to the victim," she posted on X.
Priyanka Gandhi further condemned Pappu Yadav's arrest, describing it as another link in a chain of insensitivity. "The agenda of the BJP and their allies is clear—they stand with injustice and oppression," she asserted, reinforcing the party's stance against the current administration.
Background on the NEET Student Death Case
The controversy stems from the death of a NEET aspirant in a Patna hostel, which has sparked widespread outrage and calls for a thorough investigation. Key developments include:
- The Bihar government has recommended a CBI probe into the death after the victim's family raised doubts about the initial investigation, alleging administrative connivance.
- Police reports indicate the student died during treatment, with initial allegations of sexual assault; however, doctors have not confirmed sexual or penetrative assault in the case.
- In response to the incident, Patna Police suspended two officers on Sunday, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny and attempts to address procedural lapses.
This case has ignited a fierce political debate, with opposition leaders like Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi leveraging it to criticize the BJP-NDA government's approach to justice and women's safety in Bihar. The arrest of Pappu Yadav has only intensified these tensions, framing it as a broader struggle against political oppression and systemic failures.
