BJP MLA missing for 30 days, family held captive:Grandson alleges MLA targeted by Musa gang; network spreads across UP-MP with 300 members

BJP MLA Pradeep Patel from Mauganj has been missing for a month, and his whereabouts remain unknown. Neither the family nor close associates have any information about him. Until about 20 days ago, there was hope of his return, but as time passes, the situation is becoming increasingly concerning. Speculation on social media and in the local area suggests he may have been spotted in Bhopal, Nagpur, and Delhi at different times. A video of the MLA that surfaced 10 days ago heightened concerns further. In the clip, he appeared visibly frightened, stating that he felt unsafe. He had reportedly instructed family members not to leave the house, to keep the gates locked, and warned that the environment around them was dangerous. To investigate, the Bhaskar team visited the MLA’s residence, located about 70 kilometers from Rewa. The office there was closed, with the family having locked it from the inside. The family claims that fear of a gang has forced the MLA into hiding and has left them living under a constant shadow of fear. Conversation between MLA and grandson Arjun BJP MLA’s family locked inside home amid threats When the Bhaskar team reached BJP MLA Pradeep Patel’s residence, an eerie silence greeted them. The family lives on the second floor, but from below, no one was visible. In the parking area, two four-wheelers were parked. On the right side was the MLA’s office, with his name and meeting hours displayed, but it was found closed. Further ahead, on the wall marked ‘Jan Seva Darbar’, the MLA’s photographs were hung, yet no one was present there either. When the team went upstairs to understand the situation, the channel gate was found locked from the inside. After calling out several times, MLA Pradeep Patel’s grandson, Arjun Patel, came forward. When asked why the gate was locked, Arjun explained that there was a serious threat, and as a result, no family member had left the house for the past month. The entire family is living under a constant shadow of fear. Arjun further explained that the gate remains locked at all times to prevent anyone from entering or leaving. These precautions are based on instructions given by the MLA. He added that they had contacted authorities many days ago, but since then, there has been no concrete information. The family is simply following the MLA’s instructions, uncertain of when or if an attack might occur. Investigations have revealed that there are three major cases behind the fear haunting the MLA and his family. Three incidents that terrorized MLA and their family How did the 30 decimal land dispute become a major incident In Mauganj, there was a dispute between Lallu Pandey and Vinod Mishra over 30 decimal land. In September 2025, the tehsil issued a stay order on the land, which remains in effect. Despite this, construction work continued there. Upon receiving complaints, MLA Pradeep Patel informed the police administration, but work did not stop. Vinod Mishra said that he first tried to talk at his level. When there was no effect, he informed the MLA about the entire matter and sent the stay order. The MLA tried to stop construction by giving instructions to the police, but was not successful. After this, the MLA himself reached the disputed site to mediate. His presence worsened the atmosphere and sloganeering began. During this time, some people arrived with diesel. An attempt was made to burn the MLA alive by pouring diesel on him. It is alleged that members of the Musa gang were also involved in this attack, who had no direct connection with the land dispute. Bhaskar asked direct questions to MLA’s family Question: Why does Musa gang want to target the MLA?
MLA’s wife Savitri Patel said that the MLA openly opposes illegal and medical drugs. The Musa gang is involved in the drug business, which is why the MLA’s stance is not sitting well with the gang. Question: Why does a ruling party MLA need to fear the Musa gang?
MLA’s grandson Arjun said that this is not a small gang. It currently has more than 300 active members, so it’s natural to remain threatened by them. Question: How does the Musa gang dominate over the MLA?
According to Arjun, the gang’s network extends from UP to MP. Narcotic substances are brought from UP and supplied in Mauganj, which generates significant income for the gang. Question: Does the Musa gang have more money and power than the MLA?
Arjun revealed that the gang has unlimited money. Their strength is shown by their convoys of cars with similar VIP number patterns and high-profile lifestyle. With illegal earnings, they can go to any extent. Know about Musa gang that threatened MLA and attacked police station BJP MLA Pradeep Patel had already spoken about the threat to his life from the Musa gang. After his family also presented the complete story of terror, Bhaskar began investigating who exactly the Musa gang is and what their criminal power is. During the investigation, an important police document was obtained, which confirmed the criminal activities of the Musa gang. This is proven by the daily diary entry of the Mauganj police station in-charge. In this entry made at 1:05 AM on January 29, 2025, the Mauganj station in-charge inspector had expressed apprehension that people connected to the Musa gang could get him killed. According to the diary, around 10:30 PM on January 28, 40-50 people arrived at the police station, many of whom had covered faces. These people used abusive language at the station, gave threats and behaved inappropriately. The report also mentions that there were threats to remove the TI and file false cases. As the situation deteriorated, additional police force and ASP had to be called to the scene. In the final part of the diary, the station in-charge wrote that these people are involved in serious crimes and liquor smuggling. They are members of the Musa gang, from whom there is a serious threat to their lives. Public said – Who will listen to us now Local resident Sunil Prajapati said that he needed to meet the MLA regarding important work, but the MLA has been reported missing for the past one month. Neither can anyone contact him nor are the area’s problems being heard. People are forced to wander around with their complaints. The absence of the public representative has raised serious questions about representation. Congress attacks, questions good governance Congress leader Vinod Sharma said that law and order has completely weakened under BJP rule. When even a BJP MLA is not safe, what guarantee is there for the safety of common people. He alleged that criminals are emboldened and the government remains a mute spectator. SP says – no need to be afraid Superintendent of Police Virendra Jain said that the MLA need not be afraid. The situation is completely normal and under control. There is no concrete information about any kind of threat. The police administration is alert and security arrangements are being continuously monitored.