NEW DELHI: Delhi’s Rose Avenue court on Tuesday extended the police custody of AAP MP Naresh Balyan by one day, while issuing a notice on his bail application. The Delhi Police has been directed to file a response by tomorrow.
Balyan was arrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch in connection with an extortion case. The Delhi Police sought a two-day police custody for Balyan, citing evidence, a money trail, and allegations of extortion. Meanwhile, a bail application was filed on Balyan’s behalf. The police opposed the bail plea, asserting the existence of incriminating evidence. However, the defense counsel countered, arguing that there is no money trail to support the claims.
Balyan’s counsel advocate NC Sharma asserted his innocence and told reporters, “He has no links to it… We have filed the bail petition, and a hearing in this regard will be held tomorrow. We hope justice prevails.”
DCP Crime Branch, Sanjay Kumar Sain also addressed the remand custody of the AAP MLA stating, “Naresh Balyan was questioned regarding his connection with some gangsters who are based abroad. Due to sensitive information emerging during the investigation, the court was requested to grant further police remand. The court has extended his remand by a day.”
Balyan was arrested in connection with then extortion case involving gangster Kapil Sangwan, known as Nandu. Balyan is accused of collaborating with Sangwan, who is linked to multiple extortion and firing incidents in Delhi. His arrest followed the release of an audio clip suggesting communication between the two.
Balyan, who denies the charges, claims the arrest was politically motivated by the BJP. Meanwhile, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal argued that Balyan was a victim himslef as he had been targeted after he filed complaints against gangsters, including Sangwan, and alleged that his arrest was a message discouraging people from reporting criminal activity.