AAP leaders, including Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj, Tilak Nagar MLA Jarnail Singh, were detained on Tuesday while protesting over the slapgate incident
- in which AAP worker Sahib Singh was slapped by Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma. The AAP workers were protesting outside Delhi Police Headquarters when they were dragged and detained. The AAP protest came even as Delhi Police registered an FIR against Bharadwaj, Jarnail Singh and Sahib Singh over the assault of a police head constable during AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal’s visit to Tilak Nagar on Tuesday. The latest confrontation has added a new layer to the political storm triggered by Sunday's "slapgate" incident. A video that went viral showed Verma slapping Sahib Singh during an inspection of a newly repaired road in west Delhi's Tilak Nagar-Vikaspuri area.
Sahib Singh, an aide of Jarnail Singh, alleged he was recording the inspection when the minister lost his temper. Verma, however, denied the AAP's version and claimed he reacted after being provoked and after alleged abuse directed at his family.
Following Sahib Singh's complaint, Delhi Police registered a non-cognisable report (NCR) against Verma and an FIR against Jarnail Singh. The NCR against Verma was filed under provisions relating to voluntarily causing hurt. Since it is a non-cognisable offence, police cannot begin a full investigation without a magistrate's permission.
AAP then accused the BJP-led Delhi government and police of shielding the minister.
The party's leaders marched to Delhi Police Headquarters demanding Verma's arrest and registration of an FIR. During the protest, police detained several AAP leaders and workers, including Sahib Singh, who was at the centre of the original controversy.
However, the day also saw fresh trouble for the AAP.
During a visit by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal to the same site where Sahib Singh was slapped by Verma, a Delhi Police head constable in plainclothes was assaulted by AAP workers for recording the event.
Delhi Police said an FIR has been registered over the assault of the cop.
According to police, the officer was recording video footage when he was surrounded and assaulted by AAP supporters. The head constable later underwent a medical examination.
Police said the FIR includes allegations of assaulting a public servant and obstructing a public servant in the discharge of official duties. According to police, the case names Saurabh Bharadwaj, Jarnail Singh, Sahib Singh, and other AAP workers.
The broader dispute centres on a Rs 15.76-crore road repair project in west Delhi. AAP has alleged poor-quality construction and corruption, while Verma has accused Jarnail Singh of interfering in official work and seeking commissions from contractors - allegations the AAP has denied.
