Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) VK Saxena has urged for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) inquiry into allegations of political funding received by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal from the banned terrorist organisation "Sikhs for Justice" (SFJ). The recommendation for an NIA probe comes in response to a complaint received by the LG, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by CM Kejriwal of accepting substantial funds amounting to USD 16 million from extremist Khalistani groups. The complaint alleges that these funds were used to secure the release of Devendra Pal Bhullar and advocate pro-Khalistani sentiments.
"Keeping in view, the sensitivity and seriousness of the allegations levelled in the complaint, LG has desired that the ministry of home affairs may consider referring the matter to the National Investigation Agency for conducting a comprehensive investigation into the matter," the statement by the LG office read.
The LG office said that the complainant has "referred to the contents of a video, purportedly featuring Gurpatwant Singh Pannun (Khalistani terrorist and founder of banned organisation Sikhs For Justice), wherein he has alleged that AAP led by Arvind Kejriwal has received a staggering amount of $16 million in funding from Khalistani groups between 2014 and 2022".
According to Raj Bhavan, the complaint states that a "clandestine meeting occurred in 2014 between Kejriwal and pro-Khalistani Sikhs at Gurudwara Richmond Hills, New York. During the meeting, Kejriwal purportedly promised to facilitate release of Devender Pal Bhullar, in return for substantial financial backing from Khalistani factions to Aam Aadmi Party".
The recommendation comes after a complaint was lodged by Ashoo Mongia, alongside former AAP member Munish Kumar Raizada, citing a video implicating Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) receiving a staggering $16 million in Khalistani funding from 2014 to 2022.
Allegations and response
The complaint referenced a video featuring Gurpatwant Pannun, a Khalistani terrorist and SFJ leader, alleging Kejriwal and Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi reneged on promises to release SFJ associates. Pannun's associates were detained over connections to the Khalistan Referendum. Additionally, claims emerged of a clandestine 2014 meeting between Kejriwal and pro-Khalistani Sikhs in New York's Gurudwara Richmond Hills, purportedly in exchange for financial support to AAP. AAP's Sanjay Singh's frequent visits to Canada were also highlighted.
Reaction and investigation
Munish Kumar Raizada welcomed the LG's recommendation, citing the AAP's alleged ties to Khalistani factions. Raizada pointed to Kejriwal's public and private interactions with pro-Khalistani figures in New York. Saxena's call for an NIA probe underscores mounting scrutiny over Kejriwal's political alliances and the integrity of AAP's funding sources.
