Delhi Chief Secy Assault Case: 2 AAP MLAs Sent to Judicial Custody
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Don't Obstruct Work, AAP Urges Delhi Govt Officers
Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party on 24 February urged government officers, protesting against the alleged attack on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by party MLAs, to not obstruct work as doing so would hit the governance.
Saurabh Bharadwaj, chief spokesperson of AAP's Delhi unit, said the cases relating to the alleged assault on Prakash and the attack on minister Imran Hussain and Delhi Dialogue Commission's vice-chairman Ashish Khetan are being investigated by the police.
"We appeal to the officers not to obstruct work as governance gets hit because of this," Bharadwaj said.
Delhi L-G Anil Baijal Briefs Home Minister Rajnath Singh
Lt Governor Anil Baijal on 24 February briefed Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the tussle between AAP government and its bureaucracy in wake of the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by party MLAs at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence, an official said.
During the 30-minute meeting, the L-G apprised the home minister on his interactions with the government's bureaucrats, which complained about the alleged high-handedness of the MLAs, and a delegation of Delhi's ruling party, which conveyed to him about the non-attendance of officers in regular meetings, the home ministry official said.
Delhi Govt's Officers Meet Cabinet Secretary
A joint forum of employees and officers of the Delhi government on 24 February met Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha to raise the issue of alleged assault on chief secretary Anshu Prakash and apprised him about the "difficult working condition" prevailing in the AAP dispensation.
In the meeting, the episode over the past few years and the immediate one with Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash were detailed, the forum said in a statement.
In what led to a full-blown political battle, Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash alleged that Aam Aadmi Party MLAs attacked him inside Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence on 19 February. Though AAP has strongly refuted the allegations, medical reports confirmed injuries and swelling on and near Prakash’s face.
Two AAP MLAs Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal were arrested and sent to a 14-day judicial custody.
Delhi government bureaucrats reiterated that they would continue to boycott meetings called by Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues, till the chief minister apologised for the alleged assault.
- Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash alleged that AAP MLAs attacked him inside Arvind Kejriwal’s residence on 19 February
- Though AAP cried foul over the allegation, medical reports confirmed injuries and swelling on and near Prakash’s face
- Two AAP MLAs Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal were arrested and sent to a 14-day judicial custody
- Delhi’s Lt Governor Anil Baijal submitted a preliminary report to Home Minister Rajnath Singh
- Delhi government bureaucrats have decided to boycott AAP meetings till Kejriwal apologises for the alleged attack
CM's Advisor Gives Contradictory Statements on Alleged Attack on Delhi Chief Secy
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's advisor V K Jain has given contradictory statements about the alleged attack on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP legislators, the Delhi Police told the court.
It has said that "new facts" have emerged after the interrogation of Jain, who disclosed that MLAs Prakash Jarwal and Amanutullah Khan surrounded Chief Secretary Prakash and he saw them assaulting the senior bureaucrat, additional public prosecutor Atul Shrivastava told Metropolitan Magistrate Shefali Barnala Tondon.
Jain had previously said he had not seen anything as he had gone to the washroom at the time of the incident on Monday night. The prosecutor said, while moving a fresh plea for their custody, that:
AAP, however, hit back that Jain had denied any assault in his initial statement to the police and that any change in his statement was done under “duress caused by police pressure,” Hindustan Times reported.
AAP Minister, MLAs Detained for Protest Outside Home Minister's Residence
A minister in the Delhi government and several MLAs of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) were detained by the police on 22 February when they were trying to stage a demonstration in front of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's residence at Akbar Road here, in protest against the arrest of the party's Dalit MLA, Prakash Jarwal.
The detained AAP leaders and workers were taken to the Tughlaq Road and Parliament Street police stations, from where they were released subsequently.
Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal Sent to Judicial Custody for 14 Days
A Delhi court reserved the order on the bail pleas of AAP MLAs Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal for 23 February. The court sent both the MLAs to a 14-day judicial custody in Tihar jail.
Business as Usual at Delhi Secretariat, But no Meeting With AAP Ministers
It was business as usual at the Delhi Secretariat on Wednesday, 21 February, as bureaucrats, including Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, performed their duties normally, but did not have meetings with AAP ministers.
Only two Delhi ministers, including Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Environment Minister Imran Hussain came to the Delhi Secretariat, which houses offices of all ministers and top bureaucrats, and worked in their respective offices.
According to officials, Kejriwal, Health Minister Satyendar Jain and Labour Minister Gopal Rai are out of Delhi, while two ministers, Rajendra Pal Gautam and Kailash Gahlot, did not join office on Wednesday. An official said Gautam was not well and that was why he could not come to office.
Prakash, Home Secretary Manoj Parida, Power Secretary Varsa Joshi were among the senior officers who worked in their respective offices, but they did not have scheduled meetings with ministers.
The chief secretary stayed at the secretarial till around 3 pm, and then he had left for a scheduled meeting on the ease-of-doing business at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
Chief Secy Prakash Had Bruise on Lower Lip, Swelling Behind Ears, Says Medical Report
Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash had a "bruise" on his lower lip and there was "swelling" behind the ears, police said on Wednesday, 21 February, citing his medical report.
The medico legal case (MLC) report mentioned the nature of injuries sustained by the chief secretary in the alleged assault on him by a few AAP MLAs.
Prakash was medically examined at Aruna Asaf Ali hospital on Tuesday.
The report mentioned "swelling" behind both ears and cheek bone as well as "bruise" on the lower lip.
Spokesperson of AAP's Delhi unit Saurabh Bharwaj rubbished Prakash's charges of assault and pointed to the "delay" in registration of the FIR and medical examination.
Delhi Chief Secretary Spotted Outside PMO
Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash was spotted leaving the Prime Minister’s Office two days after he alleged that he was assaulted by AAP MLAs.
Khan, Jarwal Targeted for Being Dalit, Muslim: AAP
The AAP cried foul over the arrest of two of its MLAs for allegedly attacking Anshu Prakash, and claimed the two were being targeted as they belong to the Dalit and minority communities. Rejecting the charges of assault on the chief secretary, AAP leader Ashutosh said the top bureaucrat has not produced evidence against Prakash Jarwal and Amanatullah Khan, and yet the two lawmakers were arrested.
Two Arrested AAP MLAs Sent to Judicial Custody by Delhi Court
The two arrested AAP MLAs have been sent to judicial custody till Thursday by a Delhi Court following which, their bail plea will be taken up in the court. The Court had earlier dismissed the police's application seeking two-day custody of the two AAP MLAs - Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal.
Home Ministry Receives Report from LG
The Home Ministry on Wednesday received a report from Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on the alleged assault on the city's chief secretary, and it is under examination, an official said.
There are certain issues in the case which are being investigated and inquired into by the Delhi Police, the Home Ministry official added.
Officers Seek Appointment with President Kovind
Top officers from IAS and DANICS cadres on Wednesday sought an appointment with President Ram Nath Kovind, seeking action against those involved in the alleged attack on Delhi government chief secretary.
On Tuesday, a delegation of IAS and Delhi and Andaman Nicobar Island Civil Services (DANICS) officers met Home Rajnath Singh and apprised him of the situation in Delhi.
This happened after Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash alleged that he was assaulted by some AAP MLAs in front of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia on Monday night during an official meeting.
She said the IAS and DANICS associations have called a meeting in the evening to discuss the issue, but asserted that all officers are working at the Delhi Secretariat.
AAP Planned Chief Secretary Attack to Divert Attention: Congress
The Congress on Wednesday called the alleged assault on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by two AAP MLAs a "planned strategy" of the ruling party and demanded Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal apologise to the bureaucrat.
"The case of assault on Chief Secretary is a very shameful act and the situation of administrative paralysis is very dangerous for the national capital," Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken told the media after meeting Lt Governor Anil Baijal along with three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.
He alleged the Kejriwal government has "failed on all fronts in the last three years. And thus it was a fully planned strategy of the AAP to divert the attention of people from their failures".
Amanatullah Arrested
AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan arrested. He will be produced before Delhi's Tis Hazari court. Amanatullah had surrendered himself in the Jamia Nagar police station earlier on 21 February after reportedly going “missing”.
Those Who Lynch, Rape Acid Attack Victims, Can't Call us Terrorist: AAP Rajya Sabha MP
Addressing a press conference on 21 February, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh alleged that the party was being hounded by the BJP ever since it formed a government in Delhi.
He said that while the discussion between the AAP MLAs and the Delhi Chief Secretary at the Delhi CM’s meeting had gotten heated up, things did not turn violent like Prakash claimed.
“From the very beginning there has been an attempt to defame the AAP government. If they have such a big problem with our government, then I urge the Centre to get us all arrested and be in peace but I urge them to refrain from making such false allegations,” Singh said.
“The news channels flashed a video of BJP member Manoj Tiwari calling us ‘urban naxalites’ and terrorists, he said, adding, “How dare those who lynched Pehlu Khan call us terrorists?”
He told reporters that the timing of such allegation was a BJP propaganda to bury the news of Nirav Modi. “We understand your desperation and we know who is pressuring you,” he told reporters.
Delhi HC Refuses Judicial Intervention
The Delhi High Court has refused to entertain a plea for judicial intervention in the case.
The plea was mentioned for urgent hearing before a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar which said the police was already looking into the incident and it would wait for the final outcome.
AP Govt Should Tender an Apology: Sheila Dikshit
A delegation of Congress leaders met the LG over the alleged assault of Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, senior party leader Sheila Dikshit told reporters. "The government (of Delhi) should tender an apology," the former Delhi Chief Minister said.
Amanatullah to Surrender
AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, who was named in the complaint filed by Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, told reporters, that he would go to the police station and surrender. He also denied reports that he had gone into hiding after the assault.
On 20 February, police forces had raided his residence at Batla House.
Don't Plan to Question Kejriwal: Delhi Police
“MLA Prakash Jarwal has been arrested. In the initial stage of investigation we don't plan to question CM Arvind Kejriwal. We spoke to CM's advisor VK Jain, since he was present when incident took place,” Additional DCP, North, Harendra Singh said on the alleged assault of Delhi Chief Secretary.
Was Assaulted Without Any Provocation: Anshu Prakash
In the complaint filed by Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, he alleged he was assaulted at the residence of Arvind Kejriwal when the scuffle broke out. The meeting with the Delhi CM and a few MLAs had been called to discuss the release of TV advertisements on three year anniversary of the AAP government in Delhi.
His complaint states: “Suddenly Amanatullah Khan and the person/MLA on my left side, whom I can identify, without any provocation started hitting and assaulting me. They hit several blows with fists on my head and temple. My spectacles fell to the ground, I was in a state of shock. With difficulty, I was able to leave the room and get into my official car and leave. At no stage did I retaliate and provoke any person present in the room”.
AAP MLA Amanatullah's Residence Raided
Delhi Police forces reportedly raided AAP MLA Amanatullah’s residence in Jamia Nagar’s Batla House on 20 February. Delhi Chief Secretary accused Amanatullah of assaulting him along with Prakash Jarwal.
Speaking to CNN News 18, on 20 February, Amanatullah had said that contrary to the Delhi Chief Secretary’s allegations, he was not even seated beside him.
AAP MLA Prakash Jarwal Detained
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Prakash Jarwal has been detained for the alleged assault on Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, PTI reported on 20 February.
He was picked up from his house at Deoli and detained.
Party spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj tweeted that Jarwal had been arrested, late on the night of 20 February.
Attack Premeditated, Conspiracy: Delhi Chief Secy Anshu Prakash
The Delhi Police has registered an FIR on a complaint by Delhi Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash who alleged that he was assaulted by a few AAP MLAs during a meeting at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence.
The case was registered under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to wrongful restraint, criminal intimidation, causing hurt and obstructing a public servant from performing his duty, a senior police officer said. Prakash was allegedly manhandled by a few AAP legislators at Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's residence on Monday night, 19 February.
Kejriwal’s office dismissed the accusation as "bizarre and baseless".
IAS Bodies Protest Assault
IAS, Delhi Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service (DANICS) associations, along with the Delhi Administration Subordinate Services (DASS), took out a candlelight march at Rajghat on 20 February. All three association members have decided not to attend any meeting called by Delhi Government till apology is tendered from CM Kejriwal, and action is taken against the MLAs involved.
BJP, Cong Slam AAP Over Alleged Attack on Chief Secy
The BJP demanded the resignation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal following allegations that AAP MLAs assaulted Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, and accused him of bringing "anarchy and lawlessness" in the city leading to a "constitutional crisis".
Terming the incident “unfortunate”, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said it could be an attempt to divert the attention of the country from the multi-crore bank fraud.
(With inputs from PTI, IANS and ANI)
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Published: 21 Feb 2018,09:01 AM IST