AAP MLA Naresh Balyan has been arrested in connection with a 2023 extortion case, with the party dismissing the allegations as ‘baseless'

AAP MLA Naresh Balyan Arrested in 2023 Extortion Case; Party Terms Allegations ‘Baseless’

New Delhi: In a significant development, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Naresh Balyan has been arrested in connection with an alleged extortion case dating back to 2023. The arrest was made following a fresh investigation into complaints against Balyan, who represents the Uttam Nagar constituency in the Delhi Assembly. Police sources confirmed that Balyan has been accused of demanding money from a businessman under duress, a charge he has vehemently denied.

Responding to the arrest, the Aam Aadmi Party issued a statement, calling the allegations politically motivated and “completely baseless.” The party claimed that the move was part of a larger campaign to malign its leaders and derail its work in public interest. "This is another example of vendetta politics being used against our MLAs. The case has no merit, and we are confident the truth will prevail," the statement read.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have used the arrest to target the AAP government, questioning its commitment to transparency and integrity. The BJP Delhi unit demanded a thorough probe into the matter and urged the AAP leadership to stop shielding “tainted” representatives.

Sources close to Balyan’s legal team said they plan to contest the charges in court, arguing that there is no substantial evidence linking him to the crime. “This arrest is an abuse of law to silence a vocal MLA who has been working tirelessly for his constituents,” an aide close to Balyan said.

The extortion case has drawn attention to broader concerns about accountability among public officials. As the investigation unfolds, both legal experts and political observers are keeping a close eye on how this case might affect the AAP’s political standing and its broader anti-corruption narrative.