Independent MP Pappu Yadav Released on Bail After Court Grants Relief in Three Cases
In a significant development, independent Member of Parliament from Purnia, Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, was released from Beur Central Jail in Patna around 6 pm on Friday. This followed a special MP/MLA court granting him bail in three separate legal cases, marking a temporary reprieve in his ongoing legal battles.
Court Conditions and Immediate Release
The court of additional chief judicial magistrate-I-cum-special judge (MP/MLA) issued the bail order with specific conditions. Pappu Yadav has been directed to appear in person whenever his cases are scheduled for hearings, ensuring his compliance with judicial proceedings. Upon stepping out of the jail, he immediately addressed a gathering of reporters, expressing a mix of relief and frustration.
Yadav's Strong Criticism and Allegations
In his statement to the media, Pappu Yadav voiced sharp criticism of the legal system, stating, "I had no idea that telling the truth would be so painful, requiring visits to the court and police station." He went further to allege serious irregularities in the Khemka murder case, claiming that the encounter involved the wrong juvenile. According to Yadav, testimony indicated the juvenile was taken out at 4 am and shot, raising questions about the investigation's integrity.
Commitment to Justice in NEET Case
Emphasizing his unwavering dedication, Yadav vowed to pursue justice through higher judicial avenues. He announced plans to approach both the high court and the Supreme Court to address these matters. Specifically, he highlighted his commitment to the NEET student's death case, asserting, "I will not let the NEET student's fight stop." His vocal advocacy in this case has been widely linked to the political tensions surrounding his recent arrest, underscoring the intersection of law and politics.
Gratitude and Safety Concerns
Expressing gratitude towards his supporters, Yadav added, "I am indebted to everyone who supported us. There was even an attempt to kill me," hinting at alleged threats to his life during this period. This statement adds a layer of personal risk to his legal and political struggles.
Background of Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Pappu Yadav's legal troubles escalated when he was arrested by Patna police on February 6 from his Mandiri residence. The arrest was in connection with a 31-year-old forgery and fraud case dating back to 1995, registered at Gardanibagh police station. The arrest followed a high-voltage standoff with his supporters at his home, highlighting the volatile nature of the situation.
Although the court granted him bail in that initial case on February 10, police subsequently added two more protest cases to his docket. These cases, one from 2017 and another from 2019, were both registered at Kotwali police station, leading to his remand to judicial custody. Additionally, another case was registered last week at Kotwali and Buddha Colony police stations for allegedly obstructing government work and hindering police action during his arrest.
Delays in Bail Hearings Due to Security Threats
The bail hearings in the Patna civil court, which began on February 9, faced repeated delays due to bomb threats at the court premises. These threats prompted evacuations and extensive security sweeps, prolonging the judicial process despite intermittent hearings. The disruptions extended his stay in Beur jail until Friday's relief was granted in all pending cases, illustrating the challenges in navigating the legal system amid security concerns.
This release marks a pivotal moment in Pappu Yadav's ongoing legal saga, as he continues to champion causes related to justice and accountability, particularly in high-profile cases like the NEET student's death. His outspoken stance and legal battles are likely to remain in the spotlight, influencing both political and judicial landscapes in Bihar.
