Shoe hurled at Pappu Yadav; knife claim sparks probe

A man threw a shoe at independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, also called Pappu Yadav, during a press conference at his home on Sunday. Yadav and others said the attacker also pulled out a knife, which the MP described as an attempt on his life. Delhi Police are investigating.

People at the scene said a man threw a shoe at Yadav. Yadav’s media convenor said the attacker first threw a slipper and then pulled out a knife. He said he stood between the attacker and the MP and was beaten, blaming the police for not responding well, even though there had been earlier warnings about threats. Another supporter said he blocked a knife swing and was cut on his finger. Photos and videos showed a slipper and a knife that were reportedly found at the scene.

Yadav said the man entered to attack him with a knife as part of a larger plan. “Can someone enter my house to attack me? He came to attack me with a knife,” he said.

He mentioned ongoing social media threats, including offers of `51 lakh to harm him, and said the accused was overpowered and handed to police. “There was a plot to kill me, but I survived,” Yadav added, saying he would not be intimidated.

The press conference happened while Yadav was facing criticism for his recent protest outside Parliament. He had dressed as a sadhu in saffron robes in a street play to draw attention to embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple, which drew outrage from VHP and other organisations.

Police ensured the MP’s safety and arrested the suspect. Officers are now reviewing video from the press conference and investigating the claims about the knife. Yadav’s team criticised the security, saying only a few officers were present despite earlier warnings about threats. Police are still investigating to find out what happened and why.