AAP MLA Balyan arrested on assault charges

AAP MLA Naresh Balyan was today arrested on charges of assault, its 13th lawmaker to land in Delhi Police’s net, triggering sharp reaction from the party. Balyan, MLA from Uttam Nagar, was, however, granted bail late tonight.

Balyan was arrested on a day that also saw Deputy Chief Minister Manish and Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan being questioned by Anti-Corruption Branch in separate cases and news about a non-bailable warrant being issued against Matiala legislator Gulab Singh surfaced.

“AAP MLA Balyan was arrested today in connection with a case of assault registered at Uttam Nagar police station last week,” said Dependra Pathak, joint commissioner of police (Southwest).

Balyan was called for questioning to the police station around 8.30 PM and was later arrested, said a senior police officer. Mahavir Fauji, an associate of Balyan, was also arrested, he added.

“In such matters, it is essential to arrest the accused since we have to know the facts. It’s a bailable offence in which he was arrested and he was given bail by late night,” said the officer.