Delhi Bomb threats: BJP attacks AAP over links to Afzal Guru-supporting NGO

The recent revelations in the multiple bomb threat case has intensified the political circles of Delhi, especially at a time when the National Capital is witnessing fierce campaigning for the Assembly elections slated on 5th February. Now, in a major escalation of its attack on the incumbent Aam Aadmi Party, the BJP has put the Arvind Kejriwal-led party in the dock, charging the outfit with having link with an NGO (name yet not disclosed) whose name has surfaced in the investigation of the multiple bomb threats to schools.

The saffron party has accused AAP of creating a terrorising atmosphere in Delhi and having links with multiple anti-India NGOs. In its defence, AAP has claimed innocence in this matter, alleging that the bomb threat issue is being politicised ahead of elections. 

Probing whether there can be a political motive behind multiple bomb threats: Delhi Police says accused’ parent link with NGO, close to ‘political party’ 

Notably, the Delhi Police recently apprehended a Class 12 student, an accused of sending bomb threats to more than 400 schools. According to Special CP (Law and Order) Madhup Tiwari, the student had been sending hoax emails since February 2023, aiming to avoid examinations. The emails were crafted and sent using sophisticated methods, including virtual private networks (VPNs), making it challenging to trace the sender initially. On January 8, the police identified the suspect and linked him to hoax emails sent to over 23 schools just the previous week. The suspect confessed during interrogation, admitting to collaborating with other students to send these threats through Gmail accounts. Police investigations revealed that the juvenile had also sent bomb threats to over 250 schools on May 1, 2023. This development has put the AAP in the dock, especially with the BJP exhibiting its resounding comebacks in Haryana and Maharashtra assembly elections, giving the challenger fresh ammo against the incumbent.

Also Read: Is there a link between the hoax threats directed at Indian airlines and the Rohini blast?

Interestingly, the probe uncovered a potential anti-national angle. During the profiling of the student’s family, it was discovered that one of the parents is associated with an NGO that has connections to a specific political party. This NGO was reportedly involved in attempts to legitimize Afzal Guru, the convicted mastermind of the 2001 Indian Parliament attack.

It must be remembered that it was the parents of the current Delhi Chief Minister from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) who signed a mercy petition for Afzal Guru, the terrorist who was involved in the Parliament attack of 2001 that claimed a total of 9 lives. 

Also Read: Parliament Attack Anniversary: How parents of Atishi Marlena, sympathised and wrote mercy plea for Afzal Guru

Commissioner Tiwari noted, “The emails were sent in a very sophisticated manner, including the use of VPNs, making it difficult to trace. Further investigations are underway to explore deeper connections and the involvement of others.”

The BJP has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of attempting to create fear in Delhi by being linked to bomb threat emails sent to over 400 schools. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi remarked that AAP has connections with “anti-national NGOs” and questioned whether the party or its affiliates were involved. Sudhanshu Trivedi further pointed to Atishi’s parents’ support for Afzal Guru’s mercy petition. 

“AAP has connections with NGOs that have been anti-national. Even Atishi’s parents supported Afzal Guru’s mercy petition. Does the Aam Aadmi Party or its associated NGOs have any connection to this incident? If juveniles are being used for such activities, and if these NGOs have ties to AAP, it raises serious concerns. The links between such individuals and AAP leaders, including Atishi’s family, cannot be ignored” BJP spokesperson said.