Midnight arrest of MP Pappu Yadav ignites political slugfest, Rahul and Priyanka cry vendetta

Bihar politics was jolted late Friday night after Independent MP Pappu Yadav was arrested by Patna Police in connection with a 31-year-old property and forgery case, triggering a fierce political backlash and fresh allegations of vendetta by the opposition.

The arrest followed a late-night operation at Yadav’s Patna residence, where police teams arrived to execute a court-issued warrant related to a case dating back to 1995.

According to officials, the case pertains to allegations that Yadav had fraudulently occupied a rented property and converted it into a political office, violating the terms of the lease. Police said repeated court summons were ignored, forcing authorities to take coercive action.

The timing and manner of the arrest, close to midnight and involving a heavy police presence, immediately sparked controversy.

Videos from the scene showed heated arguments between Yadav and police personnel, while his supporters raised slogans and accused the administration of targeting a vocal political figure.

Speaking shortly after being taken into custody, Yadav alleged that the arrest was politically motivated. He claimed that police personnel arrived in plain clothes and that he feared for his safety during the operation.

“I don’t know what will happen to me. This looks like a conspiracy,” he said, alleging that the decades-old case was revived selectively to silence him.

Soon after his arrest, Yadav’s health reportedly deteriorated. He was first taken to the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) and later shifted to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for further evaluation. Police officials said he would be produced before a court after medical clearance.

The episode quickly escalated into a full-blown political flashpoint. Opposition leaders slammed the Bihar government, accusing it of using law enforcement agencies to intimidate dissenting voices. Senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi publicly condemned the arrest, calling it an example of “selective justice” and warning that such actions undermine democratic norms.

Supporters of Yadav argued that the case had remained dormant for decades and questioned why it was pursued with urgency now. They also pointed out that Yadav has recently been vocal on several sensitive issues, including alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, which may have brought him into conflict with the establishment.

The police, however, rejected allegations of political interference. Officials maintained that the arrest was carried out strictly in compliance with judicial orders. “This is a legal matter pending before the court. The action was taken only after due process,” a senior officer said.

Political analysts say the arrest could have wider ramifications for Bihar’s volatile political landscape, particularly ahead of key elections over the next year. The incident has revived debates over the use of old cases in contemporary politics and the thin line between law enforcement and political rivalry.

As Yadav prepares to face court proceedings, the episode has already deepened political fault lines in the state, ensuring that what began as a legal action has now transformed into a high-stakes political confrontation.