Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Target Nitish-Led NDA Over Pappu Yadav Arrest, NEET Aspirant Death Case

Patna, Feb 2026 : A day after the arrest of Purnea Lok Sabha MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, in a 31-year-old case, senior Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a sharp attack on the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar. The two leaders alleged deep-rooted systemic collusion and political vendetta, linking Pappu Yadav’s arrest to his vocal stand in the controversial NEET aspirant death case.

Taking to social media platform X, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said that the suspicious death of a young NEET aspirant in Patna and the subsequent handling of the case had exposed entrenched collusion within the system. He alleged that instead of ensuring an impartial investigation, the ruling dispensation resorted to familiar tactics to suppress dissent.

“When the victim’s family demanded a fair probe and justice, the BJP-NDA model became visible once again — divert the case, harass the family and protect those responsible,” Rahul Gandhi wrote. He described the arrest of Pappu Yadav as a deliberate attempt to intimidate voices seeking accountability.

Defending the Independent MP, Rahul Gandhi said Pappu Yadav had consistently stood with the victim’s family and raised uncomfortable questions for those in power. “Fellow MP Pappu Yadav stood firmly as a voice for justice for this young woman. His arrest is clearly political vendetta, aimed at silencing anyone who dares to demand the truth,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi further warned that the developments pointed to a disturbing pattern rather than an isolated incident. “This is not just one case. It signals a dangerous conspiracy where young women continue to become victims while those in authority look the other way. This is not about politics; it is about justice, dignity and the safety of Bihar’s daughters,” he added.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also strongly condemned the arrest and the overall handling of the NEET aspirant death case. Calling the alleged rape and murder of the student in a Patna hostel “deeply shocking,” she said the actions of the authorities had raised serious doubts at every stage.

“From the registration of the FIR to the investigation and subsequent actions, everything appears suspicious. The question is — who is being protected?” Priyanka Gandhi asked. Drawing parallels with high-profile cases such as Hathras, Unnao and Ankita Bhandari, she alleged a consistent pattern of insensitivity and injustice under BJP-ruled administrations.

She described the arrest of Pappu Yadav as another link in what she termed a chain of oppression. “An MP who raised his voice for a victim has been arrested. This exposes the mindset of the BJP and its allies — they stand with injustice, not with victims,” she said.

Pappu Yadav was arrested late Friday night from his Mandiri residence in Patna, leading to tense scenes as his supporters gathered outside. A brief scuffle reportedly broke out between police personnel and supporters during the execution of court orders.

According to official sources, the MP-MLA Special Court in Patna had recently ordered the attachment of properties belonging to three accused — Pappu Yadav, Shailendra Prasad and Chandra Narayan Prasad — in connection with a three-decade-old case. The case relates to the alleged fraudulent renting of a house and issuing threats, dating back more than 30 years.

The arrest comes amid Pappu Yadav’s sustained involvement in the NEET aspirant death case. He has frequently visited Jehanabad to meet the victim’s family and has openly questioned the police investigation, alleging lapses and bias.

Although the Bihar Police initially constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the supervision of an Inspector General-rank officer, the case remained unresolved. It was later transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), but the agency is yet to formally commence its probe in Bihar.

The victim’s family has alleged continuous pressure from the Bihar Police and has expressed dissatisfaction even after meetings with Bihar DGP Vinay Kumar and Home Minister Samrat Choudhary. Adding to the controversy, the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and post-mortem reports stated that sexual assault could not be ruled out. The FSL confirmed the presence of semen on the undergarments of the deceased, intensifying demands for a transparent, impartial and time-bound investigation.

Team Maverick.