The Delhi High Court on Monday called for a response from the police regarding the bail application of AAP MLA Naresh Balyan, who is entangled in a case under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Justice Vikas Mahajan issued a notice to the police to submit a status report by the next hearing date, shedding light on the complexities of the case involving the Uttam Nagar representative.
During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Vikas Pahwa, representing Balyan, pushed for his client’s release, emphasizing the upcoming assembly elections and noting that Balyan’s wife is also contesting in the polls. “Give me interim bail at least. I am not a criminal,” Pahwa conveyed on behalf of Balyan, arguing that the allegations against him were baseless and that the case was “completely frivolous.”
Pahwa highlighted inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, pointing out that the FIR did not specifically name Balyan and that it was Balyan who had initially reported the crime, challenging the logic of his subsequent arrest. “If I am part of a syndicate, there must be an FIR against me along with others. They have the power to arrest…but there should be some substance,” Pahwa stated, emphasizing the need for substantial evidence for such serious accusations.
The hearing, which has been set for January 23, follows a recent denial of bail by a trial court on January 15. The Delhi police have argued against Balyan’s bail, citing the ongoing investigation’s crucial stage and the potential risk of the accused obstructing the investigative process. The prosecutor also referred to 16 FIRs lodged against members of the alleged crime syndicate, claiming they had caused significant disruption and accumulated substantial illicit wealth.
