After a night of high-voltage drama in Patna, the Bihar Police officially arrested Pappu Yadav, the Independent MP from Purnea, in the early hours of Saturday, February 7, 2026.
Despite his pleas to be allowed to surrender in court on Saturday morning, a massive police force representing five police stations took him into custody from his residence in the Mandiri locality.
The 1995 Case: Fraud and Forgery
The arrest is linked to a 31-year-old case (often cited as a 1995 case) registered at the Gardanibagh Police Station.
- The Allegations: The case was filed by Vinod Bihari Lal, who accused Yadav of fraudulently renting his property by misrepresenting its purpose. Lal alleged that Yadav used the house as an office without disclosure.
- The Charges: The case includes several sections of the old IPC (now under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita):
- Section 419: Cheating by personation
- Section 420: Cheating
- Section 468: Forgery for the purpose of cheating
- Section 506: Criminal intimidation
- The Trigger: The MP/MLA court in Patna issued a non-bailable warrant and an order for property attachment because Yadav failed to appear in court on scheduled dates despite multiple summons.
Midnight Standoff at Mandiri
The arrest was far from smooth, marked by several hours of confrontation:
- “Go Back”: Yadav refused to leave his house, telling the police to “go back” and arguing that he had just returned from a Parliament session in Delhi.
- Civil Dress Allegations: Yadav accused the police of behaving like “criminals” and “gangsters” because some officers were in plain clothes. He claimed he feared for his life and suspected a conspiracy.
- Health Concerns: Following his arrest, Yadav complained of being unwell. He was taken to IGIMS Hospital for a medical examination before being produced in court.
Political Context
Pappu Yadav has claimed the arrest is a “political vendetta” by the Nitish Kumar-led government. He alleges he is being targeted for his recent outspoken criticism regarding:
- NEET Aspirant Death: The recent death of a student in Bihar, which has triggered state-wide protests.
- Hostel Rackets: His allegations of a “flesh trade” racket involving girl students in local hostels.