Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: AAP leader and national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday defended MLA Naresh Balyan, arrested by Delhi Police on extortion charges, calling him a victim of gangster threats. Speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal alleged that Balyan was arrested because he filed complaints against notorious gangster Kapil Sangwan, also known as Nandu.
Kejriwal’s Defense of Balyan
Kejriwal claimed that Balyan had received multiple extortion threats from Sangwan and had formally complained to the police. He read excerpts from a complaint that Balyan allegedly submitted to the Special Commissioner of Police in May 2023, highlighting the threats and demands for extortion.
“Balyan was arrested because he dared to submit a complaint against gangsters. If Home Minister Amit Shah has courage, he should arrest the gangsters instead,” Kejriwal asserted.
The AAP leader also alleged that the arrest was meant to intimidate those who take a stand against criminal elements. “By arresting Balyan, the Home Minister has sent a clear message: if you stand against gangsters, you can be attacked or arrested,” he said.
Police Accusations Against Balyan
Delhi Police, however, alleged that Balyan had ties with Kapil Sangwan, who is linked to several extortion and firing cases in the capital. The investigation against the MLA intensified after an audio clip surfaced, purportedly capturing a conversation between him and Sangwan regarding extortion activities.
The Uttam Nagar MLA has been under scrutiny since last year, with police asserting that they are investigating his alleged collaboration with Sangwan’s network.
Kejriwal’s Next Steps
Kejriwal announced his intention to meet with two traders from West Delhi’s Tilak Nagar area who were allegedly threatened by gangsters in recent weeks. The AAP leader condemned the rising influence of criminal elements in the city, calling for accountability from the Union Home Ministry.
