Blurb: Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi termed the NEET aspirant’s death a murder, as controversy grew over Pappu Yadav’s arrest.
Patna
Union MSME Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi on Sunday said that Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, was arrested in connection with an old case, even as reports suggested the action followed his vocal stance on the suspicious death of a NEET aspirant in Patna.
Responding to media queries during a press conference in Gaya, Manjhi said he did not wish to comment extensively on the arrest, citing the matter as sub judice. I don’t want to say much about it, but it is being said that Pappu Yadav was arrested as he was raising the NEET aspirant death case. He was arrested in an old case. This is a legal matter, so we cannot comment further, the Union Minister said.
Addressing the death of the NEET aspirant, Manjhi described the incident as extremely painful and categorically termed it a murder. He said the state government was committed to ensuring justice in the case. Referring to statements by Samrat Choudhary, Manjhi said the Bihar Home Minister had made it clear that the accused would not be spared and had urged people to come forward with any evidence related to the case.
Manjhi added that the investigation into the NEET aspirant’s death was being conducted by multiple agencies to ensure transparency and accountability. The case, probed by the SIT and CID, has now been handed over to the CBI. If further agencies are required, the government will not hesitate, he said.
Pappu Yadav was arrested late on connection with a 31-year-old case related to a rented property. An FIR in the matter was registered at the Gardanibagh Police Station in Patna in 1995. He is currently under 14-day judicial custody and has been admitted to Patna Medical College and Hospital due to health issues. Sources said he is likely to be shifted to Beur Jail in Patna once his condition stabilises.
Since the NEET aspirant death case came to light in Patna, Pappu Yadav has been among the most vocal political figures demanding justice. He visited Jehanabad several times to meet and console the victim’s family and repeatedly called for strict action against those responsible.
