Delhi AAP MLA Naresh Balyan Arrested: 2-Day Police Custody in Extortion Case

AAP MLA Naresh Balyan in Police Custody Over Extortion Case

Naresh Balyan, an MLA from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been placed in two-day police custody linked to an extortion case. He was arrested on Saturday and taken to Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi.

Authorities allege that Balyan worked with gangster Kapil Sangwan, known for various extortion and firing incidents in the city. In response, Balyan claimed that his arrest is false and under pressure from the BJP.

Balyan has been under scrutiny since last year after an alleged audio recording surfaced, showing a conversation between him and Sangwan. Accusations against him arose after police summoned him for questioning.

The prosecution requested a five-day remand for further interrogation, but the court only granted two days, citing insufficient grounds for longer detention. Balyan’s advocate, NC Sharma, maintained that there is no solid evidence against him and expressed intent to seek bail.

A senior crime branch officer noted Balyan’s lack of cooperation during questioning, which led to the decision for custodial interrogation. According to police, Balyan was arrested under FIR number 191/23.

In a press conference, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal defended Balyan, stating that he is a victim. Kejriwal claimed that Balyan reported Sangwan’s extortion demands to the Delhi police, citing previous complaints made by the MLA. He criticized the home minister for not pursuing the real gangsters and implied that Balyan’s arrest signals danger for those who report crime.