RJD Legislator Ritlal Yadav Appears in Danapur Court Over Extortion Allegations

Synopsis
Ritlal Yadav, an MLA from RJD, surrendered in Danapur court facing extortion charges. Following police raids, he and his associates were implicated in serious allegations made by a local builder. The political implications of this case could affect upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
- Ritlal Yadav surrendered in court amid extortion allegations.
- Police raids led to significant cash and document seizures.
- The MLA claims the legal case is politically motivated.
- RJD and BJP are at odds over the incident.
- The outcome may impact future elections in the region.
Patna, April 17 (NationPress) Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MLA from Danapur, Ritlal Yadav, voluntarily appeared before the Danapur court in Bihar on Thursday, accompanied by his brother and two associates, amidst serious allegations of extortion and criminal threats leveled by a local builder.
This action followed a series of raids conducted by Patna Police and the STF on April 11, resulting in the confiscation of Rs 10.5 lakh in cash, blank cheques valued at Rs 77 lakh, along with land documents, stamps, and other crucial materials.
Alongside Ritlal Yadav, his brother Pinku Yadav, and associates Chiku Yadav and Shravan Yadav submitted themselves to the court of Judicial Magistrate Priyanka Kumari.
As per his legal representative, Safdar Hayat, the Judicial Magistrate has yet to grant bail.
Before turning himself in, Ritlal Yadav made a public declaration via social media stating: "This is not a surrender of ideals. This is a dedication to the Constitution, the judiciary, and public trust. This is a fight against a system that serves the rich differently from the poor."
He characterized the legal proceedings as politically motivated, accusing the police of acting unjustly under external pressure. This controversy arises from a complaint lodged by builder Kumar Gaurav, who claimed that the MLA demanded Rs 50 lakh in extortion.
Initially, he paid Rs 4 lakh, but threats persisted. The builder was reportedly warned of facing "dire consequences" if his demands were not met.
This situation prompted raids, seizures, and led to the MLA being labeled as absconding, a narrative that was emphasized by the BJP on social media.
Patna Police are actively investigating the case filed against the RJD MLA and his associates at the Danapur police station.
The political climate is intensifying, with RJD alleging vendetta, while BJP stresses law enforcement. Ritlal Yadav enjoys notable popularity in the Danapur Assembly constituency, particularly among the Yadav caste.
This constituency also hosts a significant Muslim demographic, which aided Ritlal Yadav's victory in the 2020 Assembly elections. With upcoming Assembly elections, the RJD is positioning itself as a vital opposition force, indicating that this episode could have broader political ramifications, both legally and electorally.