Knife-wielding man allegedly attempts to attack Pappu Yadav at Delhi press conference: What we know
New Delhi: Purnia MP Pappu Yadav on Sunday alleged that a conspiracy was being hatched to kill him after a man carrying a knife allegedly disrupted a press conference at his Delhi residence.
“A young man entered the press conference with a knife. A conspiracy is being hatched to murder me,” Yadav said. The MP added that he would not be intimidated by such threats.
Attempted attack on Yadav
According to Yadav’s supporters, several men barged into the press conference while mediapersons were asking questions. They allegedly created a commotion and hurled slippers before one of them pulled out a knife and attempted to attack the MP. The alleged attacker was overpowered and beaten by Yadav’s supporters.
#WATCH | Shots of the knife the assailant was allegedly carring due to which a clash erupted while Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav, was holding a press conference at his residence in Delhi. Further details awaited. https://t.co/0coi9m2uFD pic.twitter.com/dwM8WTY7FO
— ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2026
Police search for accused’s associate
According to Delhi Police sources, the accused has been identified as Sumit Sahpani, a 34-year-old iron trader from Ghaziabad. He is originally from Sahpani village in Sikandrabad tehsil of Uttar Pradesh’s Bulandshahr district. He has no previous criminal record.
Police sources said another man, identified as Happy, was waiting in a Creta car outside Pappu Yadav’s residence when Sumit allegedly hurled a shoe at the MP.
During questioning, Sumit reportedly told the police that he and Happy had travelled from Bulandshahr to Delhi on Sunday to get their vehicle repaired.
Tilak Marg police are now searching for Happy, according to police sources.
Supporters allege murder plot
#WATCH | Delhi | Independent MP from Purnea says, “Could anyone sneak into my house to attack me?… He came to attack me with a knife.”
A member of his entourage says, “That person was attacking and yet the Delhi Police was saving him.” https://t.co/0coi9m2uFD pic.twitter.com/XMizVWGHRX
— ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2026
Yadav’s supporters said complaints had previously been lodged over threats against the MP and an alleged reward announced for his killing, but no action was taken.
The MP had convened the press conference to address FIRs reportedly registered against him in different parts of the country, the threats he had received and his strategy for the resumption of Parliament proceedings on Monday.
Pics of the person who allegedly tried to attack the Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav, while the latter was holding a press conference at his residence in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/9yXRbR8IX1
— ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2026
Failure of Delhi Police, claims lawyer
“This exposes the failure of the Delhi Police and its alleged collusion with the ruling party in promoting a conspiracy against a six-time elected Member of Parliament,” the lawyer said.
He claimed that posts on social media had offered a reward of Rs 51 lakh for beheading Yadav. Despite assurances of adequate protection, only three or four police personnel, including one inspector, were deployed at the venue, he alleged.
#WATCH | Delhi | Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav’s lawyer says, “… This exposes the failure of the Delhi Police. It reveals the conspiratorial conduct of the Delhi Police, showing how, in collusion with the ruling party, they are abetting a plot against a six-time… https://t.co/0coi9m2uFD pic.twitter.com/BZyqA7CiXr
— ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2026
“Despite the presence of mediapersons, these men brandished knives and behaved in this manner. It is completely reprehensible and inhumane. We will take further action,” the lawyer said.
Yadav recently staged a protest in Parliament dressed as a monk over allegations concerning the theft of donations meant for the Ram Temple. An FIR was subsequently registered against him.