The crime branch team on Saturday made a second attempt to serve Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal a notice in connection with his claims that the BJP was attempting to poach AAP MLAs.
The team, led by an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)level officer, insisted on delivering the notice directly to Kejriwal, stating that it was addressed to him specifically.
However, officials at the CM's residence asserted their willingness to accept the notice on his behalf and provide a receipt.
AAP leader Jasmine Shah confronted a crime branch official outside the premises, seeking clarification on the legal basis for the insistence on handing the notice to Kejriwal personally.
Shah later posted a video on social media, questioning the officer's actions and alleging that the police presence was merely a theatrical display.
Delhi Cabinet minister Saurabh Bharadwaj criticised the situation, claiming that the police deliberately avoided delivering the notice to the CM's office.
He asserted that this development was embarrassing for the Modi government and exposed the BJP's intentions.
AAP leader Sandeep Pathak emphasised the importance of officials standing firm in the face of pressure from the central government.
AAP sources went further, alleging that the police had brought the media along to tarnish the chief minister's image.
This episode unfolded a day after a previous attempt by the crime branch team to deliver the notice, during which sources indicated that officials at Kejriwal's residence had refused to accept it.
The backdrop of these events lies in the recent allegations made by AAP, asserting that the BJP had offered Rs 25 crore each to seven of its MLAs to defect from the party, coupled with threats to topple the Kejriwal government. Kejriwal had initially made these claims in a social media post.
Last week, during a press conference, AAP leader Atishi alleged the initiation of "Operation Lotus 2.0" by the BJP in Delhi, accusing them of trying to poach AAP MLAs. She claimed that similar attempts had been made in the past but had failed.
In response to these allegations, a delegation from the Delhi BJP, led by Chief Virender Sachdeva, met the city police chief on January 30, requesting an investigation.
After the meeting at the Police Headquarters, Sachdeva stated that Kejriwal was urged to provide evidence to support his allegations, but no one from the AAP had come forward with any proof.
The crime branch team had also visited the residence of Delhi minister Atishi on the previous day but was unable to deliver the notice as she was not present.
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