A 24-year-old MCD sanitation worker, Anil Kumar, was stabbed to death while on duty in Delhi's Kalyanpuri area on Sunday, 17 August, triggering a sharp political confrontation between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Delhi Police. The Aam Aadmi Party has alleged that police are pressuring the deceased's family to proceed with last rites before their demands for justice and compensation are met — allegations the Delhi Police have not yet publicly addressed.

The Murder and Arrest

Kumar was stabbed while performing his sanitation duties in Kalyanpuri, east Delhi, on Sunday morning. CCTV footage reportedly captured the accused attacking him with a knife. By Monday, police had arrested a suspect in the case, though the identity of the accused has not been officially released. The killing of a municipal worker on duty has drawn widespread condemnation and sparked a two-day sit-in protest by thousands of sanitation workers demanding justice.

AAP's Allegations Against Delhi Police

AAP Delhi state President Saurabh Bharadwaj levelled serious allegations, claiming that Delhi Police moved the body from the hospital to the family's residence and subsequently pressured relatives to proceed with the cremation. The party further alleged that some family members were taken away by police officials early in the morning. Bharadwaj maintained that the family — described as a poor Dalit household — should be allowed to decide the timing and manner of last rites without coercion while they await a response on their demands.

Demands of the Family and Protesters

The deceased worker's family and protesting sanitation workers are primarily demanding an impartial investigation into the killing and a ₹1 crore compensation for the bereaved family. According to the AAP, the family has stated it will not proceed with the cremation until the Delhi government provides a clear response on these demands. The party has called on Chief Minister Rekha Gupta's government and police to listen to the family's concerns rather than accelerate the funeral process.

MLA Kuldeep Kumar Allegedly Detained

The confrontation escalated further when the AAP alleged that its MLA Kuldeep Kumar — who had been raising his voice in support of the deceased worker's family — was detained overnight by police. The party also claimed a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) from his residence was confiscated. AAP MLA Sanjeev Jha visited the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), East District, to seek information about Kumar's detention, but reportedly found the senior officer absent. Jha demanded that Delhi Police publicly clarify the grounds on which a sitting legislator was detained.

What Happens Next

The AAP has called for immediate government action on the family's demands and full transparency around the MLA's detention. With thousands of sanitation workers still protesting and the family yet to proceed with last rites, the political and humanitarian pressure on the Delhi government is set to intensify. The Delhi Police have not issued a formal public response to the AAP's allegations as of the time of reporting.