According to police officials, a special court in Patna had issued arrest warrants against Pappu Yadav and two other accused after he failed to appear before the court on a scheduled date in connection with a 1995 case that is still under trial. Acting on the order, a large police contingent reached his residence late at night.
Patna City SP Bhanu Pratap Singh said the arrest was carried out strictly in compliance with the court’s directions. “This is a 1995 case in which the trial is ongoing. The accused was required to be present in court but did not appear. Hence, the arrest was necessary,” he said.
The police operation involved the City SP, five DSPs, six station house officers and around 100 police personnel. The area around the MP’s residence was heavily barricaded as officers attempted to persuade him to comply with the arrest order. Eyewitnesses said Pappu Yadav was on the top floor of the building when police arrived and questioned why the action was being taken at night.
During the standoff, Pappu Yadav reportedly told police that he feared for his life if taken away at night. “I don’t know what will happen to me,” he said, according to people present at the scene. Heated arguments followed between the MP, his aides and senior police officers.
As news of the arrest attempt spread, a large number of supporters gathered outside the residence. Tensions escalated when Pappu Yadav allegedly became unconscious while being taken into custody. Supporters shouted slogans, scuffled with police personnel and briefly climbed onto the police vehicle, forcing additional security measures.
Following the arrest, Pappu Yadav was taken to Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) for a medical examination. Police said he complained of head pain and discomfort due to an increased heartbeat. On Saturday morning, he was shifted from IGIMS to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on a stretcher. Officials said he remains under police custody and is likely to be produced before the court later in the day.
The arrest has sparked political reactions, with supporters alleging vendetta, while police maintain that the action was routine and legally mandated. Further proceedings in the decades-old case are expected to determine the next course of action.
