AAP's Saurabh Bhardwaj, other party workers detained during protest over Parvesh Sahib Singh slapping row
AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bhardwaj and others were detained by Delhi Police during a protest against BJP Minister Parvesh Verma over a slapping row.
The political atmosphere in the national capital intensified on Sunday as Delhi Police detained Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Delhi President Saurabh Bhardwaj, MLA Kuldeep Kumar, and several other party workers. The detention occurred during a heated protest organized by the AAP against the Delhi government and PWD Minister Parvesh Verma following an alleged slapping incident in Tilak Nagar.
The Slapping Controversy and AAP's Outrage
The protest was ignited by a purported video circulating on social media, which appears to show Minister Parvesh Verma slapping a local youth during a road inspection. AAP leaders have vehemently criticized the police for their inaction regarding the incident.
Speaking to the media, Saurabh Bhardwaj expressed deep frustration over the lack of legal action. He claimed that the incident took place in the presence of the local Station House Officer (SHO). "It happened right before your eyes; what is there to inquire about? It all took place in your presence," Bhardwaj remarked, questioning why an FIR had not yet been registered despite the video evidence.
Bhardwaj further alleged that when AAP supporters approached the DCP office to demand accountability, senior police officers misbehaved with women activists. He accused the BJP minister of acting like a "thug" and claimed that Verma fled the scene under police protection.
Demands for Resignation and FIR
The AAP workers remained steadfast in their demands during the demonstration. Key points from the protest included:
- Immediate Registration of FIR: Protesters refused to leave the site until a formal First Information Report was filed against Parvesh Verma.
- Resignation: Party workers demanded the immediate resignation of the PWD Minister.
- Concerns over Hooliganism: Bhardwaj warned that failing to take action against such behavior would embolden BJP members to engage in further "hooliganism."
Parvesh Verma's Counter-Allegations
On the other side of the confrontation, Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh has denied the allegations and struck back at the AAP leadership. In a video statement shared on X, Singh claimed that the confrontation was triggered by the misconduct of AAP supporters.
Singh alleged that supporters of AAP MLA Jarnail Singh hurled verbal abuses at his family members. He defended his actions, stating, "When one of their workers started hurling abuses at my family, any individual who comes and does that in such a situation, I did the same."
The Minister also leveled serious accusations against the AAP, claiming:
- Extortion Attempts: He accused AAP MLA Jarnail Singh of attempting to extort a commission for a road project.
- Obstruction of Work: Singh claimed that the AAP was attempting to obstruct public works that their own government had previously failed to complete.
- Legal Action Taken: Singh noted that an official complaint and an FIR have already been registered against the MLA and his associates for obstructing public works and damaging property.