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Pappu Yadav, an independent Member of Parliament from Purnia, has come under serious threat from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a criminal organization infamous for its involvement in high-profile crimes, including the recent murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddiqui. Yadav allegedly received threats via a phone call originating from a number based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the caller claiming to have information about Yadav's whereabouts. This alarming development has raised significant concerns about the safety of political figures in Bihar, particularly in the wake of increasing gang-related violence.
The timing of these threats is critical, as they follow the assassination of Baba Siddiqui, who was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddiqui’s office in Mumbai on October 12. Baba Siddiqui, a prominent political figure in Maharashtra, had served three terms as an MLA and was a well-known member of the NCP. His murder is believed to be connected to ongoing gang rivalries, and Yadav's threats appear to stem from his vocal criticism of organized crime in the region. After Siddiqui's death, Yadav took to social media, labeling Lawrence Bishnoi a "two-bit criminal" and stating that if the law allowed, he could eliminate the entire network of the Bishnoi gang within 24 hours.
In addition to the phone threats, Mayank Yadav, a gangster currently incarcerated in Jharkhand, also issued a warning to Pappu Yadav via social media. He advised Yadav to avoid political controversies related to the Bishnoi gang, further emphasizing the intense pressure Yadav is facing from organized crime figures. This warning underscores the challenges faced by politicians in Bihar, where gang violence often intersects with political rivalries, leading to a precarious situation for elected officials.
In light of these threats, Pappu Yadav sought assistance from Bihar's Director General of Police (DGP), Alok Raj, requesting enhanced security measures to ensure his safety. The DGP advised him to present his concerns to Purnia's Inspector General (IG), Rakesh Rathi, to facilitate a thorough investigation into the threats and to arrange adequate protection. This recommendation is part of a broader effort by law enforcement to address the rising tide of violence that is increasingly impacting the political landscape in Bihar.
As Yadav continues his political activities and campaigns for the India alliance in Jharkhand, he remains vigilant about the threats against him. In a bid to garner support from fellow public figures, Yadav reached out to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who has also faced threats from the Bishnoi gang due to the high-profile blackbuck poaching case. During their phone conversation, Yadav assured Khan that he is not alone in facing these dangers, emphasizing solidarity among public figures against the pervasive influence of organized crime.