New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that an independent candidate from Purnea constituency, Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, was arrested for demanding justice in the death case of a NEET aspirant in a hostel in Patna.
In a post on X, Gandhi claimed that Yadav’s arrest is “an act of political vendetta” aimed at intimidating the voices in connection with the case.
“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,” he said.
Gandhi accused BJP-NDA of derailing the case: “The suspicious death… exposed the deep rot in the system… derail the case, harass the family, and shield the culprits.” He linked it to rising women’s crimes, warning o
f a “terrifying conspiracy” where “those in power sit with eyes shut.” “This is not politics; it is a question of justice… Bihar’s daughters,” he stressed.
Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi also expressed “utter shock” over the case, saying that from the FIR to investigation to action, everything has been “made suspicious”.
“The case of rape and murder of a student preparing for NEET in a Patna hostel is utterly shocking. The government’s attitude after this case came to light is even more terrifying. From the registration of the FIR to the investigation and action — everything has been made suspicious. Who is all this being done to protect?” Priyanka Gandhi posted on X.
Condemning the arrest of Yadav, she added, “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. The arrest of MP Pappu Yadav, who has raised his voice in this case, is yet another link in this chain of insensitivity.”
The Bihar government has recommended a CBI probe into the death of the NEET student after the family of the victim has raised doubts over the investigation, alleging connivance of the administration behind her death.