New Delhi: The Election Commission has ordered the removal of Punjab Police personnel deployed for the security of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav confirmed the development to the media.
This decision follows recent intelligence reports suggesting a pro-Khalistan group was plotting an attack against Kejriwal. When questioned about these threats last week after filing his nomination for the Delhi Assembly polls, Kejriwal responded by saying, “God will save him,” and “those protected by God cannot be killed by anyone.” He also emphasised that one’s lifespan is predetermined.
Delhi Police sources indicated they would review Kejriwal’s security arrangements in light of the potential threat. Intelligence reports suggested a hit squad of two to three operatives, last tracked in Punjab, might be targeting Kejriwal during the Delhi elections. A pro-Khalistan group, allegedly backed by Pakistan’s ISI, is suspected to be behind the plot.
On January 18, a stone was thrown at Arvind Kejriwal’s car, which his party blamed on the BJP, as the AAP leader was campaigning in his New Delhi constituency. The BJP claimed that the AAP leader’s car hit two BJP workers.
As a Z-plus protectee, Kejriwal had a significant security detail of 63 personnel, including close protection staff and escort teams, along with 15 uniformed CAPF personnel. Authorities have implemented 24/7 surveillance to prevent any potential attack.
Meanwhile, the Union Home Ministry has granted permission to the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute Kejriwal in a money-laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy. The ED filed a chargesheet against him last year after his arrest in March. Similar sanctions have been granted for other accused officials, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. This development comes just weeks before the Delhi Assembly elections.
