File photo of AAP MLA Manoj Kumar
A Delhi court on Saturday extended the police custody of AAP legislator Manoj Kumar who was arrested by two more days. He was arrested in connection with a case of alleged cheating and land-grabbing.
Metropolitan Magistrate Babita Puniya sent Mr Kumar, legislator from Kondli in East Delhi, to police custody till July 14 after the investigating agency said he was not cooperating in the probe and some recoveries were yet to be made from him.
The police sought extension of Mr Kumar's custody by five days, saying a sustained interrogation was needed in the case and he also needs to be taken to his village in Bulanshahar, Uttar Pradesh, to make recoveries of items like stamps, documents etc.
"Various cases are registered against him. He is trying to circumvent the investigation process," Special Prosecutor Anupam Sharma, appearing for the police, said.
The police plea was opposed by Mr Kumar's counsel saying that the whole case is fabricated and is only intended to malign him.
The defence counsel also alleged that manipulation was being done at the behest of a few people and there is a hidden motive behind all this.
"Special PPs are being appointed in every case registered against the AAP leaders. Is this a case of murder that an MLA, who is a public representative, is being manhandled like this and tortured? What is the reason behind all this?" Mr Kumar's counsel said.
Meanwhile, the court also sent another accused Lakhpat, arrested in the case, to police custody till Sunday.
The AAP leader was arrested on July 9.