AAP MLA Naresh Balyan Rearrested Under MCOCA After Bail in Extortion Case

Delhi Police detained Naresh Balyan again, citing alleged ties to organized crime, following his bail in a 2022 extortion investigation.

Naresh Balyan, an AAP MLA from Uttam Nagar, was granted bail in a 2022 extortion case but was immediately rearrested by Delhi Police under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).
The extortion case involves allegations of a ₹1 crore demand linked to UK-based gangster Kapil Sangwan, with an audio clip allegedly connecting Balyan to the crime.
The court criticized the investigation, noting the lack of forensic examination of key evidence and no direct threats from Balyan to victims, raising questions about the case's strength.
Delhi Police argue that Balyan's custodial interrogation is necessary to probe his alleged links to organized crime and extortion networks.
The AAP has dismissed the charges as politically motivated, accusing the BJP of misusing agencies to target its leaders, while the BJP claims the case highlights criminal elements within the party.