Gujarat Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, alleged on Friday that Abdul Sattar Manjothi, one of the accused in a fake Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid in Kutch, is a 'general secretary' of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). However, the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP denied the claim, stating that Manjothi had already resigned from the party a year ago.
The case dates back to December 2, when a group posing as ED officials raided a jeweller’s premises in Gandhidham and stole jewellery worth Rs 22.25 lakh. Twelve people, including Manjothi, were arrested on December 4.
Sanghavi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), accused AAP of harboring criminals. He shared photos of Manjothi with Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Gujarat AAP president Isudan Gadhavi, alleging that the party’s leader orchestrated the crime. He stated, “In Gujarat, an AAP leader created a fake ED team and looted people. The commander of this fake team is none other than an AAP general secretary.”
AAP leader Gopal Italia responded, accusing the minister of politicising the crime for mileage. He clarified that Manjothi had resigned from the party after his dubious activities came to light. Italia further criticised the timing of Sanghavi’s claims, questioning why the alleged political affiliation was revealed ten days after the arrest. To support their stance, AAP shared a one-year-old handwritten resignation letter from Manjothi.
According to the police, Manjothi and five others planned the heist, while six others, including a woman, executed the raid. Investigations revealed Manjothi’s central role in orchestrating the crime. Meanwhile, AAP has distanced itself, asserting it acted promptly upon learning about his activities.
The case has also brought to light other criminal allegations against Manjothi. He faces charges under Sections 302 (murder) and 307 (attempt to murder) in separate cases in Jamnagar and Bhuj.
Shocking Revleations In Case By Kutch Top Cop
Meanwhile, the fake ED raid case in Kutch took a major turn with key revelations by the Kutch East SP. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Gopal Italia and Manoj Sorathiya may also be questioned in connection with the case.
AAP worker Abdul Sattar Manjothi has been accused of defrauding multiple individuals. It is alleged that Manjothi, labelled as a conman, used the party's platform to launder and spend money acquired through fraudulent means.
Reports indicate that Abdul Sattar Manjothi, Gopal Italia and Manoj Sorathiya held a meeting two months ago at the Bhuj Circuit House. The investigation has brought several critical details to light, including Abdul Sattar Manjothi's central role in the fake ED raid. CCTV footage has surfaced, offering new evidence in the case.
SP Kutch East Sagar Bagmar has confirmed these findings, emphasizing the importance of further investigation. Authorities are now focusing on finding out the involvement of other individuals and the extent of the fraudulent activities.
