Raj Ballabh Yadav: Difference between revisions

{{Use Indian English|date=June 2020}}

{{Use Indian English|date=June 2020}}

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| name = Raj Ballabh Yadav

| name = Raj Ballabh Yadav

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| image = Raj Ballabh Yadav.jpg

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| birth_place = [[Nawada]], [[Bihar]]

| = [[Nawada]], [[Bihar]]

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| predecessor = [[Purnima Yadav]]

| = [[ Yadav]]

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| successor1 = Purnima Yadav

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| children =

| relatives = [[Vibha Devi Yadav]] (Wife)

[[Ashok Yadav]] (Nephew)

[[Ashok Yadav]] (Nephew)

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| profession = [[Politician]]

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”’Raj Ballabh Yadav”’ is an Indian politician from [[Bihar]], known for his association with the [[Rashtriya Janata Dal]] (RJD). He served as the [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member of the Legislative Assembly]] (MLA) from the [[Nawada Assembly constituency]] for three terms. His political career ended after his conviction in a high-profile [[rape]] case<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2018-12-21 |title=Bihar MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav gets life in prison for raping minor |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/rjd-raj-ballabh-yadav-life-sentence-rape-case-1414515-2018-12-21 |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref><ref name=”:0″>{{Cite news |date=2018-12-15 |title=Suspended RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav, 5 others held guilty of raping minor girl |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/suspended-rjd-mla-raj-ballabh-yadav-5-others-held-guilty-of-raping-minor-girl/articleshow/67104809.cms |access-date=2025-12-04 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name=”:1″>{{cite news |title=Suspended RJD MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav, 5 others held guilty of raping minor girl |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/suspended-rjd-mla-raj-ballabh-yadav-5-others-held-guilty-of-raping-minor-girl/articleshow/67104809.cms |website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com}}</ref> and his alleged involvement in [[sex trafficking]].<ref name=”:2″>{{Cite web |last=Pathak |first=Utpal |date=2016-03-15 |title=Bihar MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav’s case is one of good cop versus bad politician |url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2016/03/15/bihar-mla-raj-ballabh-yadavs-case-is-one-of-good-cop-versus-bad-politician |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=Newslaundry |language=en}}</ref>

”’Raj Ballabh Yadav”’ was a leader of [[Rashtriya Janata Dal]] (RJD), and member of the [[Bihar Legislative Assembly]] in India.

== Political career ==

During his tenure, Yadav was regarded as a prominent figure within the party’s regional operations. His political standing, however, was overshadowed by his entanglement in a [[Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act|POCSO]] [[rape]] case in the mid-2010s, which ultimately led to his expulsion from active politics.<ref name=”:1″ /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-12-21 |title=Bihar MLA Raj Ballabh Yadav gets life imprisonment in Nawada rape case |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-mla-raj-ballabh-yadav-gets-life-term-in-nawada-rape-case/story-OTjjB8HzmUBdk2Lxz22u1J.html |access-date=2024-03-18 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>

Following his conviction for the [[rape]] of a [[Minor (law)|minor girl]] in 2018 and consequent disqualification from office, his wife, [[Vibha Devi Yadav|Vibha Devi]] – who had no prior political experience and was widely reported to be [[Literacy|illiterate]] – was fielded by the RJD to contest his former seat. She won the [[Nawada Assembly constituency]] in the [[2020 Bihar Legislative Assembly election|2020 election]], effectively continuing the family’s political hold over the area.

== Conviction for the rape of a minor ==

On 15 December 2018, Raj Ballabh Yadav, while still the sitting [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|MLA]] from the [[Nawada Assembly constituency]], was [[Conviction|convicted]] by a special court for the [[rape]] of a [[Minor (law)|minor girl]] at his home.<ref name=”:0″ /> During the case, the minor claimed that she was [[Sex trafficking|sold]] to Yadav for a sum of ₹30,000 and taken to Yadav’s house, where she was forced to drink [[Alcoholic beverage|alcohol]], watch [[pornography]], and [[Rape|raped]].<ref name=”:2″ /> The case, registered under the [[Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act|Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act]], had drawn widespread public attention and nationwide media coverage.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=Manish |date=14 February 2016 |title=Bihar RJD Legislator Raj Ballabh Yadav Booked For Allegedly Raping Minor |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/bihar-rjd-legislator-raj-ballabh-yadav-booked-for-allegedly-raping-minor-1277054 |accessdate=19 October 2024 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The court found him [[Guilt (law)|guilty]] on multiple charges and sentenced him to [[life imprisonment]].<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2018-12-21 |title=RJD MLA gets life termfor raping minor girl |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rjd-mla-gets-life-termfor-raping-minor-girl/article25802092.ece |access-date=2025-12-04 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

Following his conviction, Yadav was disqualified from holding public office and suspended by the [[Rashtriya Janata Dal]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-12-27 |title=Days after conviction for rape, RJD MLA loses assembly membership |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/patna/days-after-conviction-for-rape-rjd-mla-loses-assembly-membership/story-PNo2iwUNwU5JyBdkoh74qM.html |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2016-02-14 |title=RJD suspends MLA accused of rape |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/rjd-suspends-mla-accused-of-rape/article8238678.ece |access-date=2025-12-04 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The case had substantial political repercussions, including increased scrutiny of candidate selection processes in [[Bihar]] and intensified criticism of the political influence exercised by local strongmen and criminals.

In August 2025, Yadav was acquitted of all charges by the [[Patna High Court]] due to “lack of evidence”.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ramashankar |date=2025-08-14 |title=Former RJD MLA Rajballabh Yadav acquitted by Patna HC in minor’s rape case |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/Aug/14/former-rjd-mla-rajballabh-yadav-acquitted-by-patna-hc-in-minors-rape-case |access-date=2025-11-26 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-08-14 |title=Ex-RJD MLA acquitted in rape case |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/ex-rjd-mla-acquitted-in-rape-case/articleshow/123311093.cms |access-date=2025-11-26 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The judgement drew considerable attention in Bihar, as the case had been one of the most widely reported criminal proceedings involving an [[elected representative]]. Several news outlets began describing the acquittal as unexpected and politically influenced, noting that the earlier conviction under the [[Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act|POCSO Act]] had been considered legally significant and had led to his disqualification from an MLA post.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-09-01 |title=Nawada politics heats up as Yadav vs Yadav battle looms |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/nawada-politics-heats-up-as-yadav-vs-yadav-battle-looms/articleshow/123615595.cms |access-date=2025-12-04 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The reversal prompted renewed debate about the handling of high-profile criminal cases, the evidentiary standards applied in [[Appeal|appeals]], and the broader issue of politicians with serious criminal charges re-entering public life.

== Other controversies ==

=== Political fallout from association with Yadav (2018–2020) ===

Prior to [[conviction]], when allegations first emerged, there was significant media and political backlash against the [[Rashtriya Janata Dal]] (RJD), the party which Yadav represented, for continuing to associate with him. For example, during a public rally in Nawada district in 2018, supporters put up posters featuring Raj Ballabh Yadav despite the ongoing [[trial]], prompting strong criticism from rival parties and activists.<ref>{{Cite news |date=31 October 2018 |title=Tejashwi Yadav’s Posters With Rape-Accused RJD Leader Draws Controversy |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/tejashwi-yadavs-posters-with-rape-accused-rjd-leader-raj-ballabh-yadav-draws-controversy-1940305 |work=NDTV}}</ref>

The controversy over the posters reportedly forced his party leadership to respond, and it sparked questions about candidate-selection standards and the culture of “criminal-politican rehabilitation” in [[Politics of Bihar|Bihar politics]].

=== Derogatory remarks about another politician’s wife (2025) ===

In September 2025, a video clip purportedly of Raj Ballabh Yadav went viral, in which he allegedly made a derogatory comment about the wife of [[Tejashwi Yadav]]. He is reported to have said that Tejashwi “did not deem a girl from the community to be fit to become his wife, perhaps he was looking for a ‘[[jersey cattle]]’.” This sparked widespread outrage. The remarks triggered protests by women’s-wing activists of the [[Rashtriya Janata Dal]] (RJD) in Nawada, including the burning of his [[effigy]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-09-07 |title=Ex-RJD leader’s ‘jersey cow’ remark on Tejashwi’s wife triggers row, Lalu’s party hits back |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/exrjd-leader-rajballabh-yadav-jersey-cow-remark-on-tejashwis-wife-triggers-row-in-bihar-101757255564196.html |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-09-08 |title=Ex-RJD leader likens Tejashwi Yadav’s wife to jersey cow, sparks row |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/elections/assembly/story/rajballabh-yadav-controversial-remarks-tejashwi-yadav-wife-protests-nawada-2783448-2025-09-08 |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref>

The controversy heightened tensions between him and his former party, and raised serious criticism about [[misogyny]], especially given his prior criminal record on [[Sex and the law|sexual offences]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Swastika Das |date=2025-09-07 |title=Political uproar in Bihar as ex-RJD MLA’s ‘jersey cow’ remark on Tejashwi Yadav’s wife triggers controversy |url=https://www.livemint.com/politics/news/political-uproar-in-bihar-as-ex-rjd-mlas-jersey-cow-remark-on-tejashwi-yadavs-wife-triggers-controversy-11757264764258.html |access-date=2025-12-04 |website=mint |language=en}}</ref>

=== Re-entry into politics after release from prison (2025) ===

After being acquitted in a [[Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act|POCSO]]-related case, Raj Ballabh Yadav reportedly attempted to re-activate his political career in his home district of [[Nawada district|Nawada]]. This revival stirred controversy because many saw it as an example of “criminal-background politicians” attempting to regain influence, possibly undermining the seriousness of past convictions. The episode also sparked debate about the ethics and accountability of [[Political party|political parties]] when dealing with individuals with [[Criminal record|criminal histories]], especially offences involving sexual violence.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 September 2025 |title=Bihar Assembly Elections 2025: Nawada Bahubali Ashok Mahato and Rajballabh Yadav, Game between RJD-JDU |url=https://ndtv.in/bihar-news/bihar-assembly-elections-2025-nawada-bahubali-ashok-mahato-and-rajballabh-yadav-game-between-rjd-jdu-9228140 |work=NDTV}}</ref>

==References==

==References==

Indian politician

Raj Ballabh Yadav is an Indian politician from Bihar, known for his association with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). He served as the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Nawada Assembly constituency for three terms. His political career ended after his conviction in a high-profile rape case^[1][2][3] and his alleged involvement in sex trafficking.^[4]

Raj Ballabh Yadav came from an established political family in the Nawada region of Bihar. His father, Jehal Prasad, was the Zila Parishad President in Nawada district.^[5] His elder brother, Krishna Prasad Yadav, served as the MLA from Nawada from 1990 to 1995 and the MLA from the Gobindpur constituency from 1995 to 2000, before his death in a road accident.^[6][7] The political background of his family helped Raj Bhallabh Yadav consolidate influence within the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and rise as a prominent regional leader. He was elected multiple times to the Bihar Legislative Assembly, where he built a reputation as a strong grassroots organiser with significant influence in local political structures.

During his tenure, Yadav was regarded as a prominent figure within the party’s regional operations. His political standing, however, was overshadowed by his entanglement in a POCSO rape case in the mid-2010s, which ultimately led to his expulsion from active politics.^[3][8]

Following his conviction for the rape of a minor girl in 2018 and consequent disqualification from office, his wife, Vibha Devi – who had no prior political experience and was widely reported to be illiterate – was fielded by the RJD to contest his former seat. She won the Nawada Assembly constituency in the 2020 election, effectively continuing the family’s political hold over the area.

On 15 December 2018, Raj Ballabh Yadav, while still the sitting MLA from the Nawada Assembly constituency, was convicted by a special court for the rape of a minor girl at his home.^[2] During the case, the minor claimed that she was sold to Yadav for a sum of ₹30,000 and taken to Yadav’s house, where she was forced to drink alcohol, watch pornography, and raped.^[4] The case, registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, had drawn widespread public attention and nationwide media coverage.^[9] The court found him guilty on multiple charges and sentenced him to life imprisonment.^[10]

Following his conviction, Yadav was disqualified from holding public office and suspended by the Rashtriya Janata Dal.^[11][12] The case had substantial political repercussions, including increased scrutiny of candidate selection processes in Bihar and intensified criticism of the political influence exercised by local strongmen and criminals.

In August 2025, Yadav was acquitted of all charges by the Patna High Court due to “lack of evidence”.^[13][14] The judgement drew considerable attention in Bihar, as the case had been one of the most widely reported criminal proceedings involving an elected representative. Several news outlets began describing the acquittal as unexpected and politically influenced, noting that the earlier conviction under the POCSO Act had been considered legally significant and had led to his disqualification from an MLA post.^[15] The reversal prompted renewed debate about the handling of high-profile criminal cases, the evidentiary standards applied in appeals, and the broader issue of politicians with serious criminal charges re-entering public life.

In February 2016, Yadav was booked for raping a minor girl at his home. On 15 December 2018, he was convicted of the offence under the POCSO Act 2012 and sentenced to life imprisonment, as well as being fined ₹50,000. He has since been suspended from the RJD.^[16] His wife Vibha Devi won the Bihar assembly election from Nawada constituency in the year 2020^[17] and again in 2025.^[18]

Prior to conviction, when allegations first emerged, there was significant media and political backlash against the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), the party which Yadav represented, for continuing to associate with him. For example, during a public rally in Nawada district in 2018, supporters put up posters featuring Raj Ballabh Yadav despite the ongoing trial, prompting strong criticism from rival parties and activists.^[19]

The controversy over the posters reportedly forced his party leadership to respond, and it sparked questions about candidate-selection standards and the culture of “criminal-politican rehabilitation” in Bihar politics.

In September 2025, a video clip purportedly of Raj Ballabh Yadav went viral, in which he allegedly made a derogatory comment about the wife of Tejashwi Yadav. He is reported to have said that Tejashwi “did not deem a girl from the community to be fit to become his wife, perhaps he was looking for a ‘jersey cattle‘.” This sparked widespread outrage. The remarks triggered protests by women’s-wing activists of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Nawada, including the burning of his effigy.^[20][21]

The controversy heightened tensions between him and his former party, and raised serious criticism about misogyny, especially given his prior criminal record on sexual offences.^[22]

After being acquitted in a POCSO-related case, Raj Ballabh Yadav reportedly attempted to re-activate his political career in his home district of Nawada. This revival stirred controversy because many saw it as an example of “criminal-background politicians” attempting to regain influence, possibly undermining the seriousness of past convictions. The episode also sparked debate about the ethics and accountability of political parties when dealing with individuals with criminal histories, especially offences involving sexual violence.^[23]