AAP MLA’s relative arrested by Delhi Police’s ACB in ‘bribe for ticket’ case

ACB chief Madhur Verma said Khari approached the agency on Monday with a complaint against Tripathi and his associates. “He said he met Tripathi on November 9 and requested a ticket for his wife at a ward in Kamla Nagar. Tripathi allegedly asked for a bribe of Rs 90 lakh for the same. The complainant paid part of the amount, but his wife’s name still didn’t come on the list. Later, Om called him and said they will return his money and also get his wife a ticket in the next elections,” Verma said.

Officials said Khari submitted purported video and audio recordings of meetings with the accused. Based on the evidence, an FIR was lodged for bribery, and under sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act. “As per their discussion, it appears the accused were coming to return the bribe. We sent a team to Khari’s residence on Tuesday. They were caught red-handed when they arrived with Rs 33 lakh cash, and were trapped in front of independent witnesses,” claimed an officer.

Tripathi could not be reached for a comment.

AAP, meanwhile, said that the case shows there was no corruption in giving tickets since the person who claims to have paid a bribe did not get the candidature.

“This shows that AAP is corruption free, honest and the most demanding party. This is why people are looking for ways to buy tickets. But they are not for sale and cannot be bought, they are given on basis of candidates’ credibility. It shows AAP is winning in Delhi and many people wanted to contest from the party’s symbol. But people claiming to buy AAP’s ticket for anyone are imposters and don’t belong to AAP,” said Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.