New Delhi:
Amid intelligence reviews {that a} pro-Khalistan group is plotting an assault in opposition to AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, the previous Delhi chief minister stated on Wednesday that “God will save him” and he’s destined to stay so long as his “lifeline” permits.
Addressing reporters after submitting his nomination for the February 5 Delhi Meeting polls from the New Delhi seat, Arvind Kejriwal responded to a query on the alleged risk to his life, saying “uparwala bachayega….”.
Earlier than submitting his nomination, Mr Kejriwal supplied prayers on the Prachin Hanuman temple at Connaught Place and instructed reporters, “Jako Rakhe Saiyan Mar Sake Na Koye (these protected by God can’t be killed by anybody).
God is with me.” “One lives so long as his lifeline permits. The day one’s lifeline ends, God calls him up,” he stated, when requested in regards to the reported risk to him from a pro-Khalistan outfit.
Sources within the Delhi Police stated they may assessment Mr Kejriwal’s safety preparations as there may be hypothesis concerning a risk to his life.
Intelligence reviews point out {that a} hit squad of two to 3 operatives, final tracked in Punjab, could also be en route Delhi to focus on Mr Kejriwal throughout the upcoming Meeting polls within the capital, the sources stated.
“That is primarily based on human intelligence and additional particulars are being investigated,” one of many sources added.
The sources stated a pro-Khalistan group, allegedly backed by Pakistan’s Inter-Providers Intelligence (ISI), is behind the plot, which goals to disrupt concord and legislation and order in Delhi and Punjab.
Mr Kejriwal, a Z-plus protectee, has a complete safety element comprising 63 personnel, together with a pilot, escort groups, shut safety workers and search-and-frisk items.
Moreover, 15 uniformed personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are deployed for his safety.
The current risk has prompted authorities to keep up round the clock surveillance to avert any potential assault, the sources stated.
In the meantime, the Union house ministry has granted sanction to the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute Mr Kejriwal in a money-laundering case linked to the Delhi excise coverage, officers stated on Wednesday.
The federal company filed a chargesheet in opposition to the 56-year-old politician earlier than a particular Prevention of Cash Laundering Act (PMLA) court docket right here final 12 months, after arresting him in March.
Related sanctions have additionally been obtained for different accused public servants, together with former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, within the case.
The event comes forward of the Delhi Meeting polls on February 5.
Mr Kejriwal, who’s at present out on bail within the case, will contest the polls from the New Delhi seat.
The excise case pertains to alleged corruption and cash laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi authorities’s excise coverage for 2021-22, which was subsequently scrapped.
(Apart from the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV workers and is revealed from a syndicated feed.)