Punjab Newsline | Ludhiana
Punjab-based Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak, who recently switched from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is facing legal trouble after two FIRs were registered against him in Punjab.
According to police sources, the cases are related to allegations of corruption and exploitation, and have been filed under non-bailable sections. Soon after news of the FIRs surfaced, Pathak reportedly left his Delhi residence before the media could reach him. When journalists attempted to speak with him, he quickly got into his vehicle and left the premises.
Punjab Police teams have since reached his Delhi residence, and officials indicate that his arrest could take place at any moment. However, no official statement has yet been issued by the Punjab Police or government spokesperson regarding the development.
This is not the first action taken against leaders who have left AAP. Earlier, the AAP-led Punjab government had conducted a raid at a Trident factory linked to former MP Rajinder Gupta through the Pollution Control Board.
Notably, Sandeep Pathak had joined the BJP on April 25 along with Raghav Chadha and Ashok Mittal. In a related development, the AAP government had also withdrawn security cover of leaders including Raghav Chadha and Harbhajan Singh.
Sandeep Pathak had been active as the in-charge of the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab since 2020. Recently, he left the party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party. Reports citing sources also suggest that extremely serious and grave allegations have been leveled against him. If these allegations are substantiated during the police investigation, he could face difficulties on both legal and political fronts. Given that the charges involve non-bailable sections, his political path could also become arduous.
Currently, official confirmation and detailed information regarding the entire matter are awaited; however, this development has the potential to make a significant impact not only in Punjab but also in national politics.
Sanjeev Arora said, “I have no knowledge about the FIR
Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora on Saturday expressed unawareness regarding the filing of an FIR against Sandeep Pathak, stating that the issue does not come under his departmental jurisdiction. Responding to media queries, Arora stated that he had no knowledge regarding the matter. "In any case, that department is not under my charge," he added. "I will also refrain from commenting on who is leaving the party and who is joining it. Feel free to ask any questions you may have regarding my department." Speaking about Rajinder Gupta, he remarked, "He did not speak to me about leaving the party."
