Atishi Raises Concerns: AAP MLAs Accused of 'Poaching' Without Mention of FIR Penal Provisions in Police Notice

On Sunday, Delhi Minister Atishi addressed the notice issued to her by the city police regarding her allegations of MLA poaching against the BJP. She emphasized that the notice did not reference any FIR or include penal provisions. During a press conference, Atishi expressed sympathy for Crime Branch officers, accusing them of being coerced by their "political bosses" into engaging in what she referred to as "theatrics."

In response, Delhi BJP Secretary Bansuri Swaraj accused the AAP of impeding the investigation. A team from Delhi Police's Crime Branch visited Atishi's home on Sunday and served her a notice in connection with her claim that the BJP attempted to lure AAP MLAs with monetary offers. Police sources indicated that the notice, lacking any mention of an FIR or specific penal sections, was received by Atishi's staff during the Crime Branch team's second visit to her residence.

The Crime Branch had previously served a notice to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the same matter on Saturday. On January 27, Kejriwal and Atishi asserted that the BJP sought to poach AAP MLAs by offering Rs 25 crore each and a ticket for the upcoming assembly polls. The BJP dismissed the allegations as "false" and challenged Kejriwal to provide evidence.

At the press conference, Atishi pointed out the absence of any reference to an FIR or relevant legal sections in the notice. She criticized the transformation of police officers, dedicated to serving the country and protecting women, into what she described as a "prime-time gimmick" by their "political masters."

Echoing Atishi's sentiments, senior AAP leader Jasmine Shah alleged that the BJP was aware of the Crime Branch's actions before they occurred, suggesting premeditation. He questioned the urgency of the police reaching the chief minister's residence, accusing them of prioritizing political calls over addressing increasing crime rates in Delhi.

(With Agency Inputs)