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Political storm in India over AAP links
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Photos of Gurjeet Singh Malhi with AAP leaders go viral after his arrest in the US on CSAM charges, prompting BJP and Congress to demand answers
Gurjeet Singh Malhi, a 42-year-old Indian citizen, has been arrested in Washington State, USA, by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a coordinated federal operation. Malhi has been charged by local authorities with possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)—a serious criminal offense in the United States, reported gujaratsamachar.com.
After Malhi’s arrest, viral images of him with Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP leaders ignite political controversy in India
The arrest has triggered a political storm in India after photos surfaced showing Malhi posing with Punjab Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Bhagwant Mann, as well as other prominent AAP figures. These images have gone viral on social media, leading the BJP and Congress to demand accountability and clarification from AAP.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), BJP’s Chandigarh unit stated:
“NRI Gurjeet Malhi, arrested in the USA on child sexual exploitation charges, has photos circulating publicly with CM Bhagwant Mann’s family, and AAP leaders like Speaker Kultar Sandhwan, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, and Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak.”
“What is your connection with this man? Why the silence on such a disturbing case? AAP leaders often target others based on photos—will you now apply the same standard to yourselves?” the BJP asked.
Similarly, Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira posted the photos on Facebook, stating:
“We seek clarification from Bhagwant Mann on his family’s connection with a criminal like Gurjeet Malhi. AAP leaders like Kultar Sandhwan and Harpal Cheema should also explain their photos with such criminals.”
As of now, AAP has not issued any official statement in response to these allegations, despite growing pressure from both BJP and Congress.
The case raises fresh questions about the vetting of individuals associated with political figures abroad and the political implications of perceived affiliations.
