Chaos prevailed at the press conference organised by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government after its leaders’ met Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung on Friday.
During the presser, AAP leader Manish Sisodia told media not to act like a spokesperson of the Delhi police, with which his party is mired in a row over the suspension of four cops. Notably, the Delhi Police, earlier in the day, submitted a report to Jung, complaining about the “interfering” behaviour of two Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers – Women and Child Welfare Minister Rakhi Birla, Law Minister Somnath Bharti – in police investigation.
The comment made by the Urban Development Minister and Education Minister infuriated the reporters, who had questioned him about the AAP’s demand for suspension of three SHOs and one ACP against whom the party complained.
The LG is conducting a high-level inquiry into the matter, said Sisodia, after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Police Commissioner BS Bassi met at Jung’s official residence, where Birla and Bharti were also present. A retired judge, BL Garg, will enquire into the matter. He has been asked to submit the report within 30 days, a report said.
Sisodia also ruled out any action against Law Minister Somanth Bharti, who revealed the Danish rape victim’s identity.
Sisodia said the government wanted the four officials suspended until an inquiry ordered on Friday by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung into the policemen’s conduct got over.
“Their suspension is necessary, otherwise there will be a problem in the inquiry,” Sisodia told the media.
“Our government won’t keep quiet. This is not Sheila Dikshit’s government. The government has changed. We will take action whether or not Delhi Police is under us,” he said.
Sisodia, the de facto number two in the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, said a government delegation led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called on the Lt Governor and pressed for the suspension.
According to the minister, while Jung said he won’t suspend anyone, Police Commissioner BS Bassi said suspending the men “now will be difficult”.
