Delhi L-G recommends NIA probe against Kejriwal over alleged funding from Khalistani groups

Delhi Lt Governor V.K. Saxena has recommended a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the allegations that the Aam Aadmi Party leader had received political funding from banned terrorist organisation 'Sikhs for Justice'.

The AAP termed the L-G’s decision yet another conspiracy against the chief minister.

"This is yet another conspiracy against Kejriwal at the behest of BJP. They are losing on all seven seats in Delhi and are rattled by the fear of defeat in Lok Sabha polls," said AAP leader and Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj.

The the L-G’s office, in its letter to the Union home ministry, claimed Saxena had received a complaint that the AAP received USD 16 million funding from extremist Khalistani groups for facilitating the release of Devendra Pal Bhullar.

"I am directed to forward a complaint dated 01.04.2024 (in original) received from Ashoo Mongia National General Secretary (World Hindu Federation India), alongwith printout of posts on platform 'X' (erstwhile Twitter), made by Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada, former worker of Aam Aadmi Party, referred in the enclosed letter and a pen drive as received," the letter stated. 

The letter claims that a clandestine meeting allegedly took place between Kejriwal and pro-Khalistan Sikhs at Gurudwara Richmond Hills, New York  in 2014, during which the AAP chief purportedly promised to facilitate the release of Devender Pal Bhullar, in return for substantial financial backing from Khalistani factions to the party.

Kejriwal is in jail after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy case.

The L-G’s move came a day before the Supreme Court is set to consider granting interim bail to the AAP chief in view of the Lok Sabha elections.