Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Happy Sharma, one of the two men Independent MP Pappu Yadav has accused of attacking him during a press conference in Delhi, has denied carrying a knife and said he would cooperate with the investigation.
The controversy erupted at Yadav’s Delhi residence when a shoe was allegedly thrown at him during a press conference, triggering a scuffle between his supporters and the protesters.
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One of the accused, Sumit, a resident of Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr, was overpowered and detained at the spot. Police are now examining the sequence of events, including claims that a knife was recovered from the detained accused.
SHARMA’S DENIES ALLEGATIONS
Speaking exclusively to India Today TV, Sharma denied that he or Sumit had carried a knife, arguing that police stationed outside the MP’s residence had thoroughly checked them before letting them in.
“We did not go there carrying knives. Police were present outside the MP’s house, and we were thoroughly checked. A press conference was underway, and everything was recorded on camera,” he said.
Sharma said he had gone to Yadav’s residence along with Sumit only to question the Purnea MP over his remarks on Sanatan Dharma and Hindus.
“We only went to ask the MP why he was insulting Sanatan and Hindus. He was placing the saffron flag and Lord Ram’s image on the ground. We told him that this should not be done,” Sharma said.
He alleged that Yadav’s supporters assaulted them soon after. “As soon as we said this, his supporters beat us badly,” he claimed.
He said he did not know who had thrown the shoe, and claimed a group of sadhus had already been protesting outside Yadav’s residence before he arrived, but had been removed by police.
Asked whether he would appear before investigators, Sharma said, “I will appear before the police.”
YADAV NAMES SHARMA, DEMANDS ACTION
In a post on X, Yadav alleged that Sharma had carried out a “murderous attack” on him and questioned whether he enjoyed political protection.
He shared purported images of Sharma with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, demanding an investigation into his alleged political links.
“This man, who is seen with the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, carried out a murderous attack on me. Prime Minister and Home Minister, please tell me: who hired him to kill me?” Yadav said, asking who within the BJP was shielding such people.
“If not, action must be taken against them,” he said.
WHAT HAPPENED AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE
The scuffle broke out during a press conference at Yadav’s residence, reportedly linked to his earlier remarks on alleged theft of donations meant for the Ram Temple.
Sources said Sumit entered the venue and threw a shoe at Yadav before being overpowered by the MP’s supporters and handed over to police.
Police said a knife was also handed over to officers when Sumit was detained, and are examining where it came from and whether any of the protesters had carried it. Sumit reportedly told police he was angry over what he saw as an insult to Hindu saints by Yadav.
YADAV ALLEGES A WIDER CONSPIRACY
Yadav alleged the accused had come to kill him and claimed a broader conspiracy was at play. “He came to kill me with a knife,” he said, adding that he had been receiving threats from religious figures over his remarks.
“Every day, some religious figures are saying, ‘Burn him, we will give Rs 51 lakh.’ Everyone is saying, ‘Kill him.’ There was a conspiracy to kill me,” he claimed.
One of Yadav’s supporters alleged that the attacker had pulled out a knife and was restrained before he could reach the MP. “The moment he pulled out a knife, we acted together and overpowered him. Had we not restrained him, it is possible that Pappu-ji might not have been with us today,” the supporter said.
Yadav’s media convenor, who said he was injured in the scuffle, accused Delhi Police of failing to protect the MP despite prior warnings.
Police are verifying the allegations, including the recovery and use of the knife, the role of each person present, and whether the incident points to a wider conspiracy.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
