New Delhi, August 2: Following an alleged knife attack at the residence of Purnea MP Pappu Yadav on Sunday amid the ongoing Ram Mandir skit controversy, the MP's lawyer accused the Delhi Police of "collusion" with the ruling government, alleging that authorities failed to provide adequate security despite prior complaints.

 

 

 

The incident took place during a press conference at Yadav's residence, where a scuffle broke out between individuals and the MP's supporters. Yadav has alleged that the incident was a "plot to kill" him.

 

 

 

Reacting to the alleged security lapse, Yadav's lawyer accused the Delhi Police of failing to act despite being informed about threats against the MP.

 

 

 

"This exposes the failure of the Delhi Police. It reveals the conspiratorial conduct of the Delhi Police, showing how, in collusion with the ruling party, they are abetting a plot against a six-time elected MP... For the past two days, we have been consistently reporting and lodging complaints about the conspiracy being hatched against a six-time elected MP. Public tweets are being posted offering a reward of Rs 51 lakh to anyone who beheads him," he told ANI.

 

 

 

The lawyer further alleged that the security personnel deployed for Yadav's protection were inadequate and said further action would be taken.

 

 

 

"Despite numerous complaints and assurances from the Delhi Police that they would arrange for full security, they deployed only a handful of police personnel, just three or four, to control such a large crowd. There was only one inspector among them. Even with media personnel present, these individuals brandished knives and behaved in such an unruly manner. This is utterly condemnable and inhumane. We will now take further action," he said.

 

 

 

Pappu Yadav's media convenor, who was present at the spot when the clash erupted, gave a detailed account of the episode. He said that he lost consciousness while dealing with the alleged attackers, who have been taken away by the police.

 

 

 

"(The attackers) first took off a slipper and hurled it... When the knife was drawn to attack, our supporters and associates tried to restrain the assailant. I stepped forward and positioned myself between the attacker and Pappu Yadav, and I was beaten severely as a result. The Delhi Police stood by and allowed the beating to happen... I tried to help Pappu Yadav escape the scene. The police seemed to be shielding the goons... I was beaten so badly while facing two or three individuals that I lost consciousness," he told ANI.

 

 

 

"My associates carried me away from the spot. I have no further information. The Delhi Police took the attackers away, so they would know the exact number," he added, further stating that he had personally met the Police DCP earlier to file a complaint against threatening posts on social media against Pappu Yadav.

 

 

 

"Despite knowing all this, they deployed only three or four police personnel here, and even they were merely protecting the goons. Not a single policeman stepped forward to help Pappu Yadav escape. When the assault was taking place, they focused solely on saving the goons and whisked them away from the scene. We don't know where they took them," he alleged, adding that, "The MP was the target, no one else."

 

 

 

He also alleged that there were three to four people hiding behind the cameras, and "suddenly, someone pulled out a knife, another a slipper" and chaos ensued.

 

 

 

Recounting the ordeal, one of Yadav's supporters said, "The moment he pulled out a knife from behind, we immediately acted together and overpowered him. Had we not restrained him at that moment, it is possible that our Pappu-ji might not have been with us today."

 

 

 

Another supporter claimed, "He was seated and conducting a press conference when three or four individuals suddenly appeared. They immediately launched an attack with a knife. As the knife was swung across, I instinctively put my hand in front of him, and the blade grazed my finger. They continued their assault."

 

 

 

Speaking to reporters after the incident, Yadav alleged that the episode was an attempt to assassinate him and claimed that a bounty had been announced against him.

 

 

 

"Babas are saying every day, 'Kill me, burn me down; we will give ₹51 lakh.' We caught him and handed him over to the police. There was a plot to kill me, but I survived," Yadav said.

 

 

 

He also asked what his "crime" is as he only put forward question realated to the Ram Mandir donation row.

 

 

 

"If people hadn't been here, I would have been finished. I haven't said anything. I only asked Champat Rai or Giri Ji, where did the 200 kg of silver go? Where did the gold go?... The Delhi Police is quite capable. I have been demanding security for a long time now. What crime have I committed?" he said.

 

 

 

The incident comes days after Opposition MPs staged a skit inside the Parliament complex on July 31, using symbolic roles to raise allegations related to donations collected for the Ram Mandir.

 

 

 

During the performance, Pappu Yadav wore saffron robes and played the role of a temple priest, while other Opposition MPs enacted a scene involving a donation box and allegations of corruption.

 

 

 

The skit drew strong criticism from BJP leaders, with party leaders including Bansuri Swaraj and several MLAs filing police complaints in New Delhi, alleging that the performance hurt religious sentiments.

 

 

 

A separate FIR has also been registered in Varanasi following a complaint by a religious leader. Another police complaint has been lodged against Pappu Yadav by petitioner Surya Maithil at Jehangirpuri Police Station in the national capital.