RJD MLA Ritlal Yadav, under investigation in extortion case, surrenders in Bihar court and is remanded to 14-day judicial custody.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) legislator Ritlal Yadav, a prominent political figure in Bihar with a controversial past, surrendered before a local court in Patna on Wednesday amid an ongoing investigation into an extortion case. Following his surrender, the court ordered him to be remanded in 14-day judicial custody.

The case against Yadav pertains to allegations of extortion involving a local businessman in the Danapur area. According to police sources, the businessman had lodged a complaint accusing Yadav and his associates of demanding a large sum of money in exchange for “protection” and threatening consequences if the demand was not met. The alleged incident reportedly took place in March 2025.

An FIR was subsequently registered at the Danapur police station, and Yadav was named as a prime accused. Following preliminary investigations, the Bihar police issued a notice summoning him for questioning. However, Yadav initially did not appear, citing political commitments and claiming the charges were politically motivated.

After weeks of evading law enforcement summons, Yadav finally presented himself in the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Patna. He was accompanied by a team of legal advisors and a few RJD supporters, though no senior party leaders were seen at the court premises. The court, after hearing the initial arguments and reviewing the police case diary, ordered that Yadav be placed in judicial custody for 14 days pending further investigation.

Ritlal Yadav, who represents the Danapur constituency, has had a long and turbulent political career marked by multiple criminal allegations. He has previously faced charges including murder, attempt to murder, and rioting. Despite his criminal record, Yadav has remained a strongman in Patna district politics and retains significant support among a section of the electorate.

Responding to media queries outside the court, Yadav’s legal counsel claimed the case was a “clear attempt to tarnish his image” ahead of the upcoming local elections. “This is a conspiracy hatched by political opponents who are threatened by Ritlal Yadav’s growing influence. We are confident that the truth will come out in court,” said advocate Ajay Kumar, who is representing Yadav.

The RJD, led by former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav and currently headed by his son Tejashwi Yadav, has not issued an official statement on the matter. However, party insiders indicate that the leadership is treading carefully, given Yadav’s checkered past and the party’s current efforts to project a clean image.

Political reactions have started pouring in, with opposition parties quick to criticize the RJD. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized the opportunity to attack the RJD for “harboring criminals” and “shielding tainted leaders.” BJP state president Samrat Choudhary said in a statement, “This is yet another example of RJD’s criminal nexus. The people of Bihar deserve better than leaders who treat the law as a joke.”

Meanwhile, the Bihar Police have assured a thorough and impartial investigation. “We are examining all angles of the case and gathering evidence. No one is above the law, regardless of their political status,” said Patna SSP Rajeev Mishra.

Yadav will remain lodged in Beur Central Jail while the investigation continues. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 1, 2025, when the court will review the progress of the probe and decide on the next steps regarding bail or further custody.

As this high-profile case unfolds, it is likely to impact the political discourse in Bihar, especially with local elections looming on the horizon. Whether Ritlal Yadav’s legal troubles will dampen his political career or fuel his image as a defiant strongman remains to be seen.