Delhi LG Recommends NIA Probe Against CM Kejriwal Over Alleged Khalistani Funding

New Delhi, May 6, 2024: Delhi Lieutenant-Governor V K Saxena has recommended a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly receiving political funding from the banned extremist organization Sikhs for Justice. The complaint in this regard was filed by Ashoo Mongia of the World Hindu Federation.

Background

The controversy centers around the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is accused of receiving $16 million from the pro-Khalistan group. The funds were allegedly used to facilitate the release of Devendra Pal Bhullar, a convict in the 1993 Delhi bomb blast case, and to espouse Pro-Khalistani sentiments. Bhullar was convicted in connection with the killing of nine people and injuring 31 others in a blast outside the Youth Congress headquarters in Delhi. He was arrested after deportation from Germany and has been in Tihar jail since 1995. His death penalty was commuted to life sentence in 2014¹.

Who was Bhullar

Devendra Pal Bhullar was convicted in connection with the 1993 Delhi bomb blast case. The incident occurred outside the Youth Congress headquarters in Delhi, resulting in the deaths of nine people and injuries to 31 others. Bhullar was arrested after deportation from Germany and has been in Tihar jail since 1995. His death penalty was later commuted to a life sentence in 2014. The case remains significant due to its association with extremist organizations and political funding allegations.

The Allegations against Delhi CM Kejriwal

The complaint against Kejriwal refers to a video released by Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. In the video, Pannun alleges that the AAP received $16 million from Khalistani groups between 2014 and 2022.

The electronic evidence submitted by the complainant requires investigation, including forensic examination, given that it implicates a sitting Chief Minister and relates to political funding from a banned extremist organization.“The complaint also alleged that meeting occurred in 2014 between Kejriwal and pro-Khalistani Sikhs.

The AAP chief purportedly promised to facilitate the release of Devendra Pal Bhullar in return for substantial backing from Khalistani factions to AAP,” the LG said in letter.  The LG received a complaint from National General Secretary of the World Hindu Federation India along with printout of posts on X made by Dr Manish Kumar Raizada former worker of the Aam Aadmi Party.

Mentioning that since the allegations were made against the sitting CM and related alleged funding of a political party from a terrorist organisation which is already banned in India, the LG said, “The electronic evidences adduced by the complainant requires investigation including forensic examination.”

Saxena further said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs may consider referring the matter to the National Investigation Agency for conducting a comprehensive investigation into the matter.”

Kejriwal’s Response

In January 2014, Kejriwal wrote a letter to Iqbal Singh, mentioning that the AAP government had recommended the release of Professor Bhullar and would work on other issues, including the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), sympathetically and in a time-bound manner. However, the allegations of receiving funds from Khalistani groups have put Kejriwal’s administration under scrutiny.

NIA Probe

The recommendation for an NIA probe comes at a critical juncture for Kejriwal and his party. The NIA will investigate the alleged funding and determine whether any criminal activity took place. Given the seriousness of the allegations and the involvement of a Chief Minister, this case is likely to attract significant attention.

Conclusion

As the investigation unfolds, Delhi residents and political observers await further developments. The outcome of the NIA probe will have implications not only for Kejriwal but also for the AAP and its standing in the political landscape. The allegations of Khalistani funding have raised questions about transparency, accountability, and the role of extremist organizations in Indian politics.

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