Call for NIA investigation into alleged Khalistani funding linked to Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi's Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, has urged for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) inquiry into accusations against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his party, the AAP. The allegations claim that they received funding from 'Sikhs for Justice', a banned Khalistani group based in the US. It's said that this funding, totaling $16 million, was purportedly to aid in the release of Devendra Pal Bhullar, a convict linked to the 1993 Delhi bombings, and to support pro-Khalistani sentiments.

Response and denial

In response, AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj vehemently denied the allegations, dismissing them as yet another plot against Kejriwal. He accused the Lieutenant Governor of being influenced by the BJP, suggesting a political motive behind the accusations. Bharadwaj highlighted the timing of these allegations, just before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, insinuating a strategic move by the BJP to discredit Kejriwal and his party.

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The allegations unraveled

The complaint alleges that Kejriwal engaged in clandestine meetings with Khalistani leaders during a visit to New York in 2014. It further claims that promises were made to secure Bhullar's release in exchange for financial backing from Khalistani groups to the AAP. Additionally, a video released by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a wanted Khalistani terrorist and chief of Sikhs for Justice, purportedly supports these claims.

These allegations come amidst Kejriwal's ongoing judicial custody in connection with a separate money laundering case related to Delhi's liquor policy. His arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in March has added fuel to the political fire, with AAP alleging a concerted effort by the BJP to undermine them.In essence, the accusations against Kejriwal and the AAP paint a picture of political intrigue and conspiracy, with both sides vehemently defending their positions amidst the looming specter of elections.

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