Punjab police are reportedly investigating Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, who recently switched from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), by filing two FIRs against him. Sources close to the government confirmed the existence of the FIRs, although no official statements regarding the nature of the allegations have been released by law enforcement as of Saturday night. Reports indicate that Pathak is facing non-bailable charges.
Efforts to reach Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav and AAP state spokesperson Baltej Pannu were unsuccessful. A representative who answered Pathak’s phone stated he was unavailable and was unaware of any FIR being filed. Amidst rising political speculation, video footage surfaced appearing to show Pathak departing through a rear exit in a white SUV shortly before Punjab police arrived at his residence in Pandara Park, Delhi.
Pathak, a former professor at IIT Delhi, played a significant role as a strategist for AAP during the 2022 assembly elections. The timing of the FIRs has ignited political debate, with both the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) alleging that the actions constitute “political vendetta.” Sunil Jakhar, president of the Punjab BJP, claimed that his party would not be intimidated by the FIRs filed by the AAP government, suggesting these measures aim to divert attention from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s alleged behavior in the assembly.
Jakhar asserted that individuals who were once viewed as loyalists to AAP are being labeled negatively following their departures from the party. He emphasized that this strategy appears designed to exert pressure on remaining members to prevent further defections. SAD member Bikram Singh Majithia posted on X, noting the “selective targeting” of former AAP allies. He underscored that Sandeep Pathak was formerly a trusted aide of both Mann and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, raising concerns about potential vindictive politics in light of the FIRs.
In response to the situation, security measures have been heightened, with additional personnel stationed outside Pathak’s residence in Delhi. Barricades have also been erected by Delhi police in the area as a precautionary measure. Meanwhile, the BJP has criticized AAP’s focus, pointing to a deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted ongoing issues with drug-related crime and threats targeting police officers.
