Kapil Mishra alleges nexus between CM, hawala agents

NEW DELHI:On a day when rebel AAP leader Kapil Mishra came up with fresh charges against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleging the latter had opposed demonetisation due to his alleged links with "hawala operators" the AAP defended itself alleging the move to be a part of BJP's conspiracy to defame it and harass its leaders.

Sacked minister Kapil Mishra addressing a press conference on revelations on AAP''s finances at his residence in Delhi on Friday. Tribune photo

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 19

On a day when rebel AAP leader Kapil Mishra came up with fresh charges against Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal alleging the latter had opposed demonetisation due to his alleged links with "hawala operators" the AAP defended itself alleging the move to be a part of BJP's conspiracy to defame it and harass its leaders.

Upping the ante the sacked minister alleged that the AAP received money from a firm of Delhi-based lawyer Rohit Tandon, whose assets worth crores have been attached by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with alleged money laundering after demonetisation.

Alleging Kejriwal of having a "nexus" with hawala operators, Mishra asked, "Why did he fiercely oppose demonetisation? Why did he travel across the country against the move? Because his men, who hoard black money, were being raided by enforcement agencies. His collars are in my hands and he will surely land in Tihar Jail."

However, senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh refuted the allegations claiming "no illegality involved in the donations in question of Rs 2 crore that were made on April 5, 2014. Pointing out that the amount was received through "proper banking route", Singh claimed, "No laws have been violated by the party. Donations being alleged to be illegal have been received via a bank transaction, and not through cash. It was declared income that the party received through legitimate means."

Stating that it has been two years the agencies have been investigating AAP and have found nothing, Singh claimed, "The BJP is using Mishra to malign AAP through stale allegations. If the BJP believes that this donation was received illegally, why doesn't it ask any of its agencies to take suitable action against AAP?"

Claiming that the Centre has unleashed its central investigative agencies after the AAP, Singh further took a dig at the Opposition saying if the Delhi Police can reach Somnath Bharti's pet dog during an investigation, surely these agencies can conduct a probe and punish whoever is guilty.