New Delhi

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday alleged that Purnia MP Pappu Yadav was arrested for raising his voice in connection with the death of a NEET aspirant at a hostel in Patna, terming the action as politically motivated.

In a post on X, Gandhi described the arrest as an attempt to silence those demanding justice in the case. He said Pappu Yadav had stood firmly with the victim’s family and questioned the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

पटना में NEET की आकांक्षी छात्रा की संदिग्ध परिस्थितियों में हुई मौत और उसके बाद की पूरी कार्रवाई ने एक बार फिर सिस्टम की गहरी सड़ांध को उजागर कर दिया है।

पीड़ित परिवार ने जब निष्पक्ष जाँच और न्याय की माँग की, तो वही पुराना भाजपा-NDA मॉडल सामने आ गया - केस को भटकाओ, परिजनों को…

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 7, 2026

“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,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Pappu Yadav was taken into custody on Friday after failing to appear before authorities in connection with a land dispute case dating back to 1995. Prior to his arrest, the MP had expressed apprehension about his safety.

“I fear these people might kill me. I will go straight to the court. I will not go to the police station. If they want, they can place me under house arrest,” Yadav had said.

Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP-NDA government of trying to derail the case and harass the victim’s family to shield those responsible.

“The suspicious death of a NEET aspirant in a Patna hostel and the chain of events that followed have once again exposed the deep rot in the system. When the family sought a fair probe, the familiar BJP-NDA playbook came into effect—divert the case, pressure the family, and protect the culprits using state power,” he alleged.

The Congress leader also expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of crimes against women, accusing those in power of ignoring the gravity of the situation.

“This incident does not appear to be an isolated case. It points to a disturbing pattern, where more daughters are falling victim while those in authority keep their eyes shut. This is not about politics—it is about justice, dignity and the safety of Bihar’s daughters,” he said.

Congress leader and Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also voiced strong criticism, calling the case “deeply shocking” and alleging serious lapses in the handling of the matter.

“The rape and murder of a NEET aspirant in a Patna hostel is horrifying. What is even more alarming is the government’s response. From the registration of the FIR to the investigation and subsequent action, everything appears suspicious. Who is being protected?” she asked in a post on X.

पटना के हॉस्टल में NEET की तैयारी कर रही छात्रा के साथ रेप और हत्या का मामला झकझोर देने वाला है। यह केस सामने आने के बाद सरकार का रवैया उससे भी ज्यादा खौफनाक है। FIR दर्ज होने से लेकर जांच और कार्रवाई तक - सबकुछ संदिग्ध बना दिया गया है। यह सब किसे बचाने के लिए किया जा रहा है?…

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) February 7, 2026

Condemning the arrest of Pappu Yadav, Priyanka Gandhi said it reflected a pattern of insensitivity by BJP-ruled governments.

“From Hathras and Unnao to Ankita Bhandari and now Patna, BJP governments repeatedly appear to side with the accused rather than deliver justice to victims. The arrest of MP Pappu Yadav, who raised his voice in this case, is yet another example,” she said, adding that the ruling alliance stood “with injustice and oppression”.

Meanwhile, the Bihar government has recommended a CBI inquiry into the student’s death after her family raised doubts about the police investigation and alleged administrative complicity.

According to police, the NEET aspirant died while undergoing treatment in Patna. While allegations of sexual assault surfaced, authorities said medical examinations have not confirmed sexual or penetrative assault.

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Patna Police have suspended two officers in connection with the case.