AAP MLA Naresh Balyan, who represents Uttam Nagar in West Delhi, was arrested on Saturday in connection with a year-old extortion case and his alleged ties with a gangster. The Delhi Police’s Crime Branch took Balyan into custody after the BJP released an audio clip in which the legislator purportedly instructed gangster Kapil Sangwan, alias Nandu, to extort ransom from a builder and others in Delhi.
The arrest came hours after the BJP shared the controversial audio, which allegedly showed Balyan directing Nandu, who is currently based in London after fleeing India, to threaten individuals for money. According to sources within the Crime Branch, Balyan was first detained for questioning at their RK Puram office in South Delhi, but he was arrested after he reportedly failed to cooperate with the authorities during the initial interrogation.
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Balyan is scheduled to be presented before a Delhi court on Sunday, where the Crime Branch is expected to seek his police remand. The case has gained significant attention after the BJP’s accusations, with national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleging that Balyan was involved in criminal activities with the support of AAP party chief Arvind Kejriwal. Bhatia also demanded the suspension of the MLA, citing the audio clip in which Balyan appears to discuss his interactions with the gangster.
In the audio, Balyan is reportedly heard speaking to Nandu, who questions the MLA’s complaint against him. Balyan allegedly responds that he was being blackmailed, and the gangster threatens to release a damaging recording. The conversation then reportedly led Balyan to “confess,” prompting the BJP to share the clip on social media.
AAP quickly came to Balyan’s defense, claiming that his arrest was unlawful. Balyan, for his part, denied the allegations and threatened to take legal action against those spreading what he called false claims. AAP MP Sanjay Singh also weighed in, accusing the BJP and central government of attempting to target Kejriwal’s party in a broader conspiracy, especially as the AAP has been vocal about concerns over law and order issues in Delhi. Singh insisted that the charges against Balyan were without merit.
