Suresh Chauhan at the CM’s roadshow in Moti Nagar just before the ‘slapgate’ incident.

07 May 2019 07:57 IST

‘He had told his friends about the plan 2 days before incident’

In a recent development, videos of Suresh Chauhan — accused of slapping Chief Minister Kejriwal during a roadshow on May 4 — regularly attending AAP’s public meetings addressed by the latter in West Delhi, have emerged.

In one of the videos, accessed by The Hindu, Suresh wearing an AAP sash can be seen standing close to Mr. Kejriwal’s vehicle in Moti Nagar.

Near high-security area

In another video, filmed on March 26, during a public meeting addressed by Mr. Kejriwal in West Delhi’s Sudershan Park, he can be seen wearing an AAP sash and standing near a high-security area (near the stage) along with party workers.

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On Monday, AAP leader Sanjay Singh, who met Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik over the incident, said the attack on Mr. Kejriwal was a conspiracy by BJP and Congress leaders.

The accused is not an AAP worker, he said, adding that they have requested the police to increase the Chief Minister’s security. On Sunday, Mr. Kejriwal said the attacker was a ‘Modi bhakt’ and not a disgruntled AAP supporter as the police had claimed.

Suresh Chauhan at CM’s roadshow in Moti Nagar just before the slapgate incident.

After local enquiry it has been established that Suresh used to work as an organiser for AAP’s rallies and public meetings, said sources. “He was not a registered worker. During the enquiry, some registered workers confirmed that he used to help organise AAP events. The police have spoken to the registered workers who are scared to say it in public,” said an officer.

“During interrogation, he was asked if he had planned the crime or had informed someone. He said two days before the incident, he had told his friends ‘main isko marunga’ [I will hit him],” the officer said.

However, when investigators asked his friends to verify the claim, they denied being informed about the assault, sources said.

Suresh was held on May 4 evening.

During the interrogation, which lasted till 6 a.m. on Sunday, he said, “Galat baat bolta hai [He says incorrect things],” referring to Mr. Kejriwal. Suresh said he got disenchanted with the party because its leaders became “arrogant”.

On Sunday, he was sent to two-day judicial custody after an FIR was registered under Sections 323 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) of the IPC.

“We will oppose his bail request citing law and order situation just before elections. We will register charge sheet in the case at the earliest to ensure his conviction in the case,” said an officer.