Former Bihar minister and Janshakti Janata Dal national president Tej Pratap Yadav has finally walked free from prison. A large gathering of party supporters and workers assembled outside the Beur Jail in Patna to welcome him upon his release. As he stepped out, supporters cheered and greeted him enthusiastically. Acknowledging the crowd with folded hands, he chose not to speak to the media present at the scene and immediately got into his vehicle to head back to his residence.
Background of the NEET Protests and Arrest
The political leader found himself behind bars following widespread demonstrations over the NEET paper leak controversy. Authorities had accused him of disturbing public peace and order during a statewide shutdown known as Bihar Bandh. The tensions escalated when students staged massive protests around the Ramgahulam Chowk and Gandhi Maidan areas in Patna. Tej Pratap Yadav had joined the protesting students on the ground to show his solidarity, leading police forces to detain him and take him away in an official vehicle.
Initial Detention and Subsequent Arrest at a Mall
During his initial brief detention by law enforcement, he had openly stated his stance on the matter, declaring that he stood firmly with the students and was prepared to face any consequence for them. The demonstrations witnessed several clashes between security personnel and agitated students across multiple locations. Although he was released shortly after being detained the first time, police tracked him down and formally arrested him later while he was visiting a shopping mall.
Judicial Custody and Magistrate Hearing
Following his formal arrest on the night of July 25, he was presented before a judicial magistrate. The court ordered him to be sent to Beur Jail under a 14-day judicial custody period. His detention sparked considerable political friction and drew sharp reactions from political opponents and family members alike throughout the state.
Political Warnings and Subsequent Release
The arrest of his elder brother prompted strong remarks from political figure Tejashwi Yadav, who had warned the administration of massive protests if Tej Pratap and other detained legislators and students were not set free immediately. With his eventual release from custody, the immediate political tension surrounding his imprisonment has subsided, though the ripples of the student agitation remain visible.
