AAP lawmaker Somnath Bharti with his dog, Don, talking to reporters in New Delhi.
Delhi Police today told a court in New Delhi that former Law Minister Somnath Bharti, who is accused in a domestic violence case filed by his wife, can influence anyone.
Police told a metropolitan magistrate that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lawmaker from Malviya Nagar constituency was an influential person and he can influence anyone.
The remark by police came on a plea filed by Mr Bharti seeking cancellation of the non-bailable warrant issued against him.
According to sources, police in their reply sought custodial interrogation of the accused for conducting a fair investigation.
The sources said witnesses were not coming forward to depose against Mr Bharti in fear, as he was an influential person.
Special Public Prosecutor Shailendra Babbar told the court that Mr Bharti was misusing the legal process, citing his conduct over his sudden appearance before police on Wednesday after getting relief from the Delhi High Court.
The court posted the matter for September 25 as the concerned magistrate was on leave.
A trial court on Monday issued the warrant against Mr Bharti.
Mr Bharti, who was granted relief by the Delhi High Court on Wednesday, moved a plea before the trial court for cancellation of the warrant issued against him.
Mr Bharti was last week named in a first information report (FIR) filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including domestic violence and attempt to murder, at Dwarka North police station in west Delhi.
Police said they filed the FIR following the June 10 complaint by Mr Bharti's wife, who said the AAP leader has been abusing her ever since their marriage in 2010. She also claimed that Mr Bharti beat and tortured her and once even tried to kill her.