BJP MLA Pradeep Patel Alleges Police Conspiracy to Have Him Killed in Madhya Pradesh

A video featuring a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator from Madhya Pradesh has gained attention on social media. It shows him lying prostrate before a senior police officer, claiming that the officer and others are conspiring to have him killed by criminals. The video depicts MLA Pradeep Patel on the floor in front of Mauganj district's Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Anurag Pandey.

Allegations and Denials

In the footage, Patel accuses Pandey and other officers of instructing goons to kill him. Pandey, however, denies these allegations. On the same day, Patel sent a letter to the Mauganj district Superintendent of Police (SP) and the Inspector General (IG) of Rewa zone. He highlighted illegal drug activities in the area and requested action against those involved.

Police Response

Mauganj SP Rasna Thakur acknowledged the video's existence and confirmed receiving Patel's letter. She stated that police actions against drug traffickers are ongoing, citing recent seizures of ganja and banned cough syrup in the district, which is about 570 km from Bhopal. The MLA provided information to the police, and teams have been formed to investigate further.

Patel attempted to meet with the IG in Rewa but was unsuccessful. In his letter to the IG, he alleged a rise in illegal drug trade due to insufficient police action. He also claimed that crimes like murder, rape, theft, and loot are increasing because criminals do not fear law enforcement.

Political Reactions

The opposition Congress party seized upon the video to criticise the BJP-led state government. Congress leader Arun Yadav shared the clip on social media platform X, stating: "BJP MLA from Mauganj Pradeep Patel is begging for his safety by bowing down in front of police officers." He argued this incident supports Congress's claims about deteriorating law and order in Madhya Pradesh.

Yadav questioned how police could protect citizens if a ruling party MLA fears for his life. Responding to these claims, state BJP spokesman Pankaj Chaturvedi dismissed them as baseless. He asserted that the BJP government ensures safety for all citizens and denied any law and order issues in Madhya Pradesh.

In the video, ASP Pandey is heard asking Patel about his concerns when he enters his office. Patel responds by alleging that goons have been told by ASP and IG to kill him for a reward. Attempts to contact Patel for comments after the video's release were unsuccessful.