AAP MLA Naresh Balyan Re-arrested Under MCOCA Just After Receiving Bail in Extortion Case
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New Delhi, Dec 4 (NationPress) The Delhi Police on Wednesday re-arrested Aam Aadmi Party's Naresh Balyan under MCOCA just moments after he obtained bail in relation to an extortion case.
Following the Rouse Avenue Court's approval of his bail request regarding the extortion allegations, the Delhi Police Crime Branch apprehended the AAP leader within the court premises and transported him to their office.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Rouse Avenue Court had placed the MLA from Delhi’s Uttam Nagar constituency in police custody for an additional day while also instructing the Delhi Police to respond to his bail plea concerning the extortion case.
During the proceedings, Balyan’s attorney challenged the need for his arrest, asserting that he was willing to come forward to meet with the investigating officer whenever required and would fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Initially, the AAP leader was placed in two days of police custody on Sunday concerning the extortion case. The Delhi Police had argued that Balyan should be in their custody for five more days for thorough questioning.
Balyan was taken into custody on November 30 after the emergence of audio recordings allegedly showing him in discussions with gangster Kapil Sangwan, also known as Nandu. These recordings reportedly outline schemes to intimidate and extort funds from builders and others in Delhi.
The BJP has labeled Balyan an “extortionist” and accused AAP leaders of collaborating with gangsters to demand protection payments from traders and builders.
BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia claimed that Balyan's actions were carried out with the full knowledge and approval of AAP leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Likewise, BJP leader Kailash Gahlot dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding Balyan’s arrest, stating that the issue had been known to senior leaders for over a year.
Gahlot expressed serious concerns regarding the inaction from AAP's senior leadership, including Kejriwal, despite their awareness of the situation.
“It would be entirely incorrect to label this a conspiracy since every senior AAP leader has been aware of this for the past year. The pressing question is why no action was taken, despite senior party officials, including the National Convenor, being conscious of such activities. It is troubling that the matter has escalated to this level,” he remarked.
