NEW DELHI: The Rouse Avenue court in Delhi on Wednesday granted bail to AAP MLA Naresh Balyan, who was arrested on November 30 by the Delhi Police Crime Branch in connection with an alleged extortion case.
Balyan, the MLA from Uttam Nagar, had been in police custody following allegations of his involvement with a syndicate linked to gangster Kapil Sangwan. The case, which dates back to last year, accuses Balyan of threatening property owners to sell their assets at reduced prices through gang members.
Delhi court on Tuesday had extended Balyan’s police custody by one day, allowing further investigation after arguments from both the prosecution and the MLA’s legal team. The police argued that Balyan needed to be confronted with two victims who had come forward with new allegations.
According to the prosecution, victim ‘A’ claimed an aide of Balyan had forcibly taken possession of their property, while victim ‘B’ alleged threats to sell their property at a loss.
The remand application stated that an extension was crucial to unearth the “deep-rooted nexus” between Balyan and the syndicate, and to identify his associates.
Senior advocate Manish Vashisht, representing Balyan, argued that the arrest was baseless. “I (Balyan), myself am a victim and have been made into an accused by police. They have arrested a public servant and did not give any reason for doing so. The arrest is completely illegal and without any basis,” Vashisht said.
The prosecution, however, maintained that Balyan’s custodial interrogation was necessary due to emerging facts. Despite these arguments, the court approved Balyan’s bail, citing insufficient grounds for further detention.