New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Naresh Balyan has been sent to two-day police custody by the Rouse Avenue Court in connection with an extortion case. Balyan was arrested on Saturday by the Delhi Police Crime Branch following allegations of his involvement with gangster Kapil Sangwan, also known as Nandu.
The AAP MLA has been under investigation since last year after an audio clip, allegedly featuring a conversation between him and Sangwan, surfaced on social media. The Crime Branch claimed that Balyan was uncooperative and evasive during questioning, prompting the need for custodial interrogation.
‘This is all fake, nothing else’
According to reports, Balyan was arrested at around 7pm in connection with FIR number 191/23. His advocate, NC Sharma, argued against the arrest. Speaking to news agency ANI, he said “The court was presented with no credible grounds for his remand. There is no verified audio sample or source; the case is based solely on social media claims. We will seek bail and trust in the legal process.”
Balyan, while leaving court, dismissed the allegations, calling them politically motivated. “This is all fake, nothing else. I have been arrested under BJP’s pressure,” he told reporters.
Kejriwal defends Balyan
AAP national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal came to Balyan’s defence, asserting that the MLA was being framed for taking action against gangsters. Addressing a press conference, Kejriwal revealed that Balyan had filed complaints with Delhi Police earlier this year about receiving extortion calls from Kapil Sangwan.
“Instead of acting against the gangsters, the Home Minister has chosen to target those who dare to report such crimes. By arresting Balyan, a message is being sent that complaining against gangsters can lead to your arrest,” Kejriwal said, alleging political interference in the case.
