New Delhi, July 28, 2023: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chief Spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar has been booked following a complaint filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala.
Poonawala accused Kakkar of making communal remarks during a TV debate and filed an FIR against her in Noida. The incident occurred on July 25, when Kakkar allegedly referred to Poonawala as “Mujahideen” and made “extremely communally loaded” statements.
In his complaint, Poonawala claimed that Kakkar’s comments were derogatory and abusive, targeting his faith and Muslims in general. He further asserted that such remarks reflect the Aam Aadmi Party’s hateful mindset towards Muslims. This is not the first instance of Kakkar making such comments, according to Poonawala.
Responding to the allegations, Kakkar questioned the interpretation of the terms “Mujahideen” and “Shehzad” and slammed Poonawala for referring to a chief minister as “Jihadi” on national media. She argued that the use of such language goes against the principles of fair political discourse.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in Noida confirmed that an FIR has been lodged against Kakkar under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including promoting enmity between different groups and imputations prejudicial to national integration.
Poonawala has urged the police to issue a show-cause notice to the AAP and seek an explanation from party convener Arvind Kejriwal. Additionally, he has sent a criminal defamation notice to Kakkar.
The police are currently conducting further investigation into the case.
