Hours Before Delhi Elections, Two Employees Of CM's Office Detained With Rs 5 Lakh Cash

Last Updated:February 05, 2025, 09:03 IST

Delhi Election 2025: Police apprehended Gaurav, believed to be Delhi CM Atishi's PA, and another individual Ajit after receiving a tip-off about them carrying cash, hours before the elections.

Delhi Election 2025: Employees of Delhi CM Atishi's office were arrested for carrying Rs 5 lakh cash. (Photo: X)

Delhi Election 2025: Hours after voting began in all 70 constituencies of the national capital, two employees of the Delhi Chief Minister’s officer were detained by police on Tuesday after cash worth Rs 5 lakh was recovered from their possession. One of them is rumoured to be CM Atishi’s personal assistant.

Delhi Police officials told news agency ANI that they received a tip-off about the individuals carrying cash, and subsequently, a Flying Squad Team (FST) reached the spot and apprehended the two individuals.

“We received a call about people being caught with Rs 5 lakh. Our team reached the spot, and the FST handed over two men, namely Gaurav and Ajit. Both are attached to the Delhi CM’s office, as per preliminary information," said Ravi Kumar Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).

The cash has been seized and the accused have been handed over to the police. Police are now probing the source of the money. The Delhi Congress brought the matter under the Election Commission’s notice, alleging that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is trying to influence the Delhi polls.

Notably, Delhi Police had registered an FIR on Tuesday against Atishi for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and obstructing public servants on duty. She accused the BJP of openly engaging in hooliganism and Delhi Police and the Election Commission of protecting them and taking action against those who are raising complaints.

“Atishi Marlena’s PA caught with Rs 5 lakh cash. Marlena ji is openly distributing money, and has invited people from other states to her assembly and yesterday she was creating drama with her accusations that there were outsiders in Kalka assembly…then who is this??" said BJP Delhi in an X post.

“FST team found two individuals, Mr Gaurav and Mr Ajit Singh, in a car with Rs. 5 lakhs. Mr Gaurav stated that the money was recived from Mr Pankaj, PA to Ms Atishi, for booth management in Giri Nagar, KalkaJi (AC). Cash has been seized and police is further investigating it," said DEO/DM South-East Delhi.

Meanwhile, voting has begun in all 70 constituencies of Delhi, with AAP eyeing a third straight term amid a tough competition from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress is also looking for a comeback in the national capital.

As many as 1.56 crore voters will decide the fate of 699 candidates contesting across 70 constituencies. Of the voters, 83.76 lakh are men, 72.36 lakh are women, and 1,267 are third-gender voters. The results of the high-stakes Assembly polls will be declared on February 8.

Over 30,000 police personnel and 220 companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed across the national capital for peaceful elections. Nearly 3,000 polling booths have been identified as sensitive, and special security arrangements, including drone surveillance, Quick Reaction Team, Striking Team and one company of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) have been deployed to maintain law and order.

AAP is seeking a third consecutive term, relying on its governance record and welfare schemes, while the BJP is making a determined push to reclaim the capital after more than 25 years by highlighted AAP’s failed promises, the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy and the Yamuna River row.

(with inputs from agencies)

News india Hours Before Delhi Elections, Two Employees Of CM's Office Detained With Rs 5 Lakh Cash