Independent MP from Bihar's Purnea, Pappu Yadav, was attacked during a press conference in Delhi on Sunday after a man hurled a shoe at him, sparking chaos and a scuffle between the attacker and the MP's supporters.
According to initial information, the protest was reportedly linked to Yadav's remarks on the law concerning the alleged theft of donations meant for the Ram Temple.
The incident triggered commotion at the venue, with supporters of the MP confronting the protester immediately after the shoe was thrown. Police have launched an investigation into the matter.
Sources said the accused identified himself as Sumit, a resident of Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh. He was quickly overpowered by those present and taken into police custody.
Police are also examining whether the accused was carrying a knife when he entered the venue.
According to officials, when Sumit was handed over by Pappu Yadav's supporters, a knife was also recovered and handed over to the police. Investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding the alleged recovery of the weapon.
Sources further said Sumit told police he acted because he was angered by what he described as an insult to saints.
Pappu Yadav alleged that the man had intended to kill him.
"He came to kill me with a knife," Yadav claimed, further alleging that there was a larger conspiracy to assassinate him.
"Every day, some religious figures are saying, 'Burn him, we will give Rs 51 lakh.' Everyone is saying, 'Kill him.' There was a conspiracy to kill me," he said.
Yadav's media convenor, who was present during the incident, alleged that the attack escalated after the shoe was thrown.
"They first removed a slipper and threw it. When the attacker took out a knife, our supporters and associates tried to stop him. I stepped in to shield Pappu Yadav and was severely beaten in the process," he claimed.
One of Yadav's supporters also alleged that the accused had pulled out a knife during the confrontation.
"Pappu Yadav is constantly serving the people. The moment the attacker pulled out a knife from behind, we immediately overpowered him. Had we failed to restrain him, Pappu-ji might not have survived today," the supporter alleged.
The media convenor further accused the Delhi Police of failing to provide adequate security despite being informed about threats in advance.
"I tried to get Pappu Yadav away from the spot. The Delhi Police stood by while the assault happened. Instead of protecting him, they appeared to be shielding the attackers. These people had come to recreate the Atiq Ahmed incident," he alleged.
Claiming that he sustained injuries during the scuffle, he said, "I was beaten so badly by two or three people that I lost consciousness. My associates carried me away. The Delhi Police took the attackers away, so they know exactly how many were involved."
He further alleged that he had personally alerted senior police officials about threats to the MP before the event.
"I met the DCP this morning and submitted a formal complaint stating that the MP had been receiving continuous threats on social media. Despite that, only three or four police personnel were deployed," he claimed.
The media convenor also alleged that no police personnel came forward to assist the MP during the attack.
"Not a single policeman tried to help Pappu Yadav escape. During the assault, they focused only on protecting the attackers and taking them away. There were three or four people hiding behind the cameras. Suddenly, one pulled out a knife while another threw a slipper. The target was the MP and no one else," he alleged.
Congress leader Pawan Khera also reacted to the incident, criticising the Delhi Police over the alleged security lapse.
"The Delhi Police appears highly efficient when dealing with students peacefully demanding their constitutional rights. But when it comes to protecting a vocal Opposition leader and a sitting Member of Parliament at his own residence, it suddenly falls short," Khera wrote on X.
He added, "Ever since Anurag Kumar took charge as Delhi Police Commissioner, the force's performance has steadily deteriorated."
Police said they are verifying all aspects of the incident, including the alleged recovery of a knife, and that the investigation is ongoing.
