New Delhi: Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor, VK Saxena, has urged the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to conduct a thorough investigation into Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s alleged acceptance of political contributions from the banned organization “Sikhs for Justice”. The recommendation comes amidst accusations that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) received substantial funds—reportedly $16 million—from extremist Khalistani groups. These funds were purportedly linked to efforts to secure the release of Devendra Pal Bhullar and support Pro-Khalistani sentiments.
“In his communication, the complainant has referred to the contents of a video, purportedly featuring Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, (Khalistani terrorist and founder of banned organization Sikhs For Justice), wherein he has alleged that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by Sh Arvind Kejriwal has received a staggering amount of $16 million in funding from Khalistani groups between 2014 and 2022,” stated the Principal Secretary.
The complaint further alleges a clandestine meeting between Kejriwal and Pro-Khalistani Sikhs at Gurudwara Richmond Hills, New York, in 2014. “During this meeting, Kejriwal purportedly pledged support for Devender Pal Bhullar’s release in exchange for significant financial backing from Khalistani factions,” the letter emphasized.
Additionally, the Principal Secretary noted that the complainant referenced Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada’s social media posts, which included a photograph of Kejriwal with Sikh leaders at the Richmond Hill Gurudwara in 2014. “Raizada’s tweets indicate that besides attending public gatherings, Kejriwal engaged in closed-door discussions with Pro-Khalistani Sikh leaders at the Richmond Hills Gurudwara,” the letter elaborated.
“It has also been mentioned in the letter that Sh Kejriwal wrote to former President Sh Pranab Mukherjee seeking clemency for Bhullar. In this context, a copy of a letter by Arvind Kejriwal, addressed to one Iqbal Singh is enclosed. The letter dated 27.01.2014 mentions that ‘Our government is sympathetic to the issue and would take all necessary steps to ensure full justice. It further mentions that the Delhi Government has already recommended to the President the release of Prof. Bhullar and would be working on other issues including the formation of SIT etc,” the secretary noted in the letter to the Home Ministry.
The recommendation for an NIA probe underscores growing concerns regarding alleged ties between political entities and extremist organizations, prompting calls for thorough investigations into financial transactions and political engagements.
