'I could be killed anytime': MP Pappu Yadav seeks more security amid alleged Bishnoi threat

Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan, commonly known as Pappu Yadav, has contacted the central government to request upgraded Z security following an alleged threat from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. In an email sent to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 21 October, Yadav asked for a transition from ‘Y’ security to ‘Z’ security.

The current ‘Y’ security arrangement provides one gunman for mobile protection and one (plus four on rotation) for static security. In contrast, ‘Z’ security includes six gunmen for mobile protection and two (plus eight) for residence security.

Yadav, a six-time MP, included a purported audio clip of a threatening phone call in his email.

In the recording, a caller warns Yadav’s assistant that the MP should “think before he speaks,” referencing Yadav’s recent comments asserting he could eliminate the Lawrence Bishnoi gang if permitted by the government.

These remarks were made in the context of criticism regarding the country’s law-and-order situation, particularly following the murder of former minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai.

While Yadav did not specify when he received the threat call, he mentioned that both he and his family have faced ongoing threats since he entered politics.

He expressed frustration with the state government’s lack of response to his previous complaints regarding the threats, although he did not detail those complaints.

In his email, Yadav recounted his political history, stating, “I have been elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly once and to the Lok Sabha six times. During this time, I and my family have been attacked on multiple occasions.” He highlighted past threats, including those from the Maoist organisation in Nepal, noting that he previously received enhanced security cover in 2015, which was later downgraded in 2019.

Yadav emphasised the ongoing threat posed by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, stating, “Despite such threats, the Home Ministry of Bihar and the Union Home Ministry appear inactive regarding my security.” He formally requested that his security cover be upgraded from ‘Y’ to ‘Z’ and called for stringent security measures during all political events he attends, including police escorts throughout Bihar.

“If this is not done, I may be murdered at any time,” he concluded. In response, Purnia Superintendent of Police Kartikeya Sharma confirmed that they were made aware of the alleged threat call through the media.