AAP MLA under scanner after clash outside BJP office

Delhi Police are likely to question Akhilesh Pati Tripathi, Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) MLA from Model Town, over allegations that he damaged a water cannon vehicle during Wednesday’s violent clash between AAP and BJP workers at central Delhi’s Ashoka Road.

“Tripathi allegedly climbed on the water cannon vehicle outside the BJP headquarters. He broke the nozzles and tore off the seats inside,” a source said. It is also alleged that Tripathi along with AAP MLAs Jarnail Singh, Jagdish Singh and Surender Singh gave inflammatory statements to provoke the protesters.

“Tripathi was summoned by police as part of the investigation, but he did not turn up to record statement,” sources added.  

According to S B S Tyagi, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi), a factual report on the incident has been given to the Delhi Election Office, local administrative authorities and the police’s election cell. The report accuses AAP protesters of indulging in riotous acts and using criminal force to prevent police from discharging their duty.

“We are analysing electronic evidence and examining versions of the statements recorded under section 161 of the CrPC,” Tyagi added.

The report states that Sub-Inspector Sunil Kumar along with police officers from Parliament Street police station had tried to pacify and persuade the protesters to go back, but they continued shouting slogans. Later, Anyesh Roy, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Parliament Street), reached the spot with extra force.

“The assembly was declared unlawful on the public announcement system and the protesters were asked to disperse, but the crowd continued to indulge in riotous acts and stone-pelting,” the report states. The situation was brought under control after more forces were called in from other police stations of New Delhi police district.

The report further said 16 AAP volunteers, nine BJP activists, four police officers and a mediaperson were injured and underwent treatment at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital.

Two teams led by Madhur Verma, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi), are working on the case and have also questioned Ashutosh, AAP Lok Sabha candidate from Chandni Chowk, and Shazia Ilmi, a member of the AAP’s National Executive.