CHANDIGARH/NEW DELHI: Punjab police are believed to have filed two First Information Reports (FIRs) against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, who switched from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) a week ago along with six others. While sources close to the government confirmed the FIRs, no official statement on the nature of the allegations had been issued by the police until Saturday night. Sources indicated that Pathak faces non-bailable charges.
Background of the Case
Repeated attempts to contact Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav and AAP state spokesperson Baltej Pannu went unanswered. The person who answered Pathak’s phone said he was not available and denied knowledge of any FIR. Political speculation intensified as video footage emerged purportedly showing Pathak leaving through a rear exit in a white SUV on Saturday, shortly before Punjab police arrived at his Pandara Park residence in Delhi.
Pathak, a former professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-Delhi), was one of the key strategists for AAP during the 2022 Punjab assembly election. The timing of the FIRs triggered a political debate, with the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) alleging a political vendetta.
Political Reactions
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar stated that his party would not be intimidated by FIRs filed by the AAP government. He alleged that these actions were meant to divert attention from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s alleged conduct in the assembly. Jakhar claimed that those once considered loyal by AAP are being labeled negatively overnight after leaving the party, calling it an attempt to build pressure on remaining members and prevent further defections.
SAD member Bikram Singh Majithia posted on X: "Selective targeting of those who fall out with AAP. Sandeep Pathak was once a trusted aide of Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, a key power centre. After shifting loyalties, FIRs under non-bailable sections point to possible vendetta politics. From influence to investigation, the shift raises serious questions."
Security Measures
Security was tightened, and additional personnel were deployed outside Pathak’s home in Delhi. In the afternoon, Delhi police teams were seen placing barricades in the vicinity as part of precautionary arrangements. The developments have raised concerns about law and order in Punjab.
BJP questioned AAP’s priorities, alleging a deteriorating law and order situation in the state. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said Punjab has been battling a drug menace and criminals have been targeting offices of even police officers. The FIRs against Pathak are seen as a significant escalation in the ongoing political tussle between AAP and BJP in Punjab.
