AAP alleges EC, Delhi Police raid Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s house in search operation

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders have claimed that a team of Election Commission (EC) officials and Delhi Police raided the residence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at Kapurthala House in New Delhi on Thursday. The raid was reportedly part of an investigation related to electoral activities. This follows an earlier incident where Delhi Police seized a vehicle near Punjab Bhawan in central Delhi, which was registered under the Punjab government. The vehicle was found with cash, liquor, and election-related materials connected to AAP.

According to Delhi Police, the vehicle was parked near Punjab Bhawan, a significant government building in Delhi. The car was marked with "Punjab Government" stickers and was reportedly found carrying significant amounts of cash, liquor, and materials used for AAP’s election campaigning. Police have registered a case and begun an investigation, though they have not disclosed the identities of individuals associated with the vehicle or whether any arrests have been made.

The Election Commission of India (EC) has refuted claims of its involvement in any raid. EC sources clarified that the commission does not conduct raids as part of its mandate. They explained that raids or investigations into criminal activities fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies, such as Delhi Police. The EC’s role is confined to overseeing the electoral process and ensuring compliance with the Model Code of Conduct and election laws.

Sources close to Delhi Police have stated that the search at Kapurthala House was related to ongoing investigations into possible violations of electoral laws. However, no details have been provided regarding the specific allegations or the results of the search. The police have not yet issued an official statement regarding the connection between the vehicle seizure and the raid on Mann's residence.

The incident occurs just days before the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, which are set to take place on February 5. The seizure of the vehicle and the raid at the CM’s residence have drawn significant attention, especially as AAP and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) intensify their campaigns in the capital.