The Punjab Police have rejected claims that an abandoned vehicle, found in Delhi carrying ₹1.1 crore in cash, liquor bottles, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) pamphlets, belonged to the Punjab government. The police clarified that the number plate on the vehicle was “forged and fake.”
Delhi Police’s Allegations
On Wednesday, the Delhi Police reported that a suspicious vehicle with a Punjab registration plate and ‘Punjab Sarkar’ written on it was discovered near Punjab Bhavan on Copernicus Marg. Upon inspection, officials found a significant amount of cash, liquor bottles, and AAP-related materials inside. The vehicle was seized, and a case was registered at Tilak Marg Police Station.
Punjab Police’s Response
Refuting the allegations, the Punjab Police stated that the vehicle is not owned or hired by the Punjab government. They identified the registered owner as Maj. Anubhav Shivpuri, a Maharashtra resident, who was previously posted at the Army Dental College in Pathankot three years ago.
Further investigation revealed discrepancies in the vehicle registration details:
- The number plate on the seized vehicle (PB35AE1342) is officially registered to a Ford EcoSport (2018 model).
- However, the vehicle found by Delhi Police was a Hyundai Creta, confirming that the number plate was fake.
The Punjab Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) reiterated that no such vehicle is in Punjab’s government records.
BJP’s Attack on Kejriwal and AAP
Following the incident, the BJP launched a scathing attack on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP, accusing them of attempting to manipulate the upcoming elections.
Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva criticized Kejriwal, saying:
“Until now, we thought Kejriwal institutionalized corruption in Delhi, polluted the Yamuna and the city’s air. But today, we realize he has polluted Delhi’s political system too.”
He further alleged that AAP was resorting to cash and liquor to influence elections, stating:
“Since Arvind Kejriwal is losing the Delhi elections, his focus is now on liquor and money.”
Political Fallout
The controversy has triggered a heated political exchange, with AAP dismissing the incident as a “planted stunt”. The BJP, however, has demanded a thorough probe, intensifying political tensions ahead of crucial elections.
