Shoe Thrown at MP Pappu Yadav During Press Conference in Delhi; Two Detained

Independent MP from Bihar's Purnia constituency, Pappu Yadav, was targeted during a press conference at his official residence in New Delhi on Sunday after a man allegedly threw a shoe at him. The incident triggered a scuffle between the MP's supporters and the alleged attackers, while one of the suspects was reportedly found carrying a knife. The confrontation came after an opposition protest in the Parliament complex over the alleged theft of offerings made at the Ram Mandir. During the press briefing, one individual allegedly hurled a shoe towards the MP, leading to chaos at the venue as supporters and the accused engaged in pushing and jostling. According to reports, the accused have been identified as Sumit and Happy, residents of Shahpani village in Sikandrabad tehsil of Bulandshahr district in Uttar Pradesh. Both were taken into custody after the alleged attack by Sumit. Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are verifying the sequence of events that unfolded during the press conference, including reports that the accused had arrived with a knife. Authorities also confirmed that a knife was recovered from one of the alleged attackers. Meanwhile, a knife was also recovered from Pappu Yadav's supporters during the incident. Speaking to the media after the episode, Pappu Yadav alleged that the attackers had come with the intention of killing him. He claimed, "He came to attack me with a knife. There was a conspiracy to kill me. I have not insulted Sanatan. I was attacked at my residence." Yadav's media coordinator, Zaid Khan, alleged that supporters attempted to overpower the attacker after he pulled out a knife. Khan said he came between the assailant and the MP and was severely beaten during the scuffle. He further alleged that Delhi Police remained a silent spectator and did not intervene to protect the MP during the incident. The controversy follows a demonstration by opposition MPs over the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Mandir. During the protest, donation boxes were placed near the steps leading to Parliament's Makar Dwar. MPs, including Rahul Gandhi, deposited money into the boxes, while Pappu Yadav, dressed in saffron attire, placed some money into his pockets as part of a symbolic protest highlighting the opposition's allegations regarding the alleged theft of temple donations. The demonstration drew strong criticism from saints in Haridwar, who described Pappu Yadav's act as disrespectful to Hindu religious traditions. Religious leaders of the Juna Akhara also announced plans to hold nationwide protests against the MP.