New Delhi: The Delhi Police informed a court on March 28 that it had lodged an FIR against former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal, along with other party members, for allegedly misusing public funds. The case stems from a complaint filed in 2019, which accused Kejriwal and his associates of installing large hoardings across the national capital using government resources. The complaint, citing a violation of the Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, also named former Matiala MLA Gulab Singh and former Dwarka A ward councilor Nitika Sharma. The court had earlier directed the police to file the FIR, and the matter is now set for a hearing on April 18.

According to the compliance report submitted by the police before Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Neha Mittal, the investigation is still ongoing, and authorities have sought additional time to examine the allegations thoroughly. The banners in question were reportedly placed in various parts of Delhi, allegedly as part of a political campaign in 2019. The complaint accuses the AAP leaders of deliberately misusing taxpayer money for personal political gains, violating legal provisions related to public property and government funds. The case has now gained political traction, with opposition parties raising questions about financial transparency within the AAP government.

This development comes at a time when Kejriwal and his party are already facing political and legal challenges. The FIR has sparked reactions from various quarters, with AAP leaders defending the party’s actions while critics demand accountability. The case is expected to have significant implications ahead of the upcoming elections, as political opponents use it to target Kejriwal’s governance record. With the next hearing scheduled for April 18, all eyes are now on the court proceedings and the police investigation’s findings.