Controversy Erupts in Delhi Elections: Vehicle with Punjab Tags Found Carrying Cash and Liquor

Initial Discovery and Police Action

In a significant development ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections 2025, Delhi Police seized a suspicious vehicle labeled as ‘Punjab government’ carrying cash, liquor bottles, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) campaign materials. The incident occurred late Wednesday when the Flying Squad team intercepted the vehicle near Punjab Bhavan on Copernicus Marg in the New Delhi district, sparking immediate political controversy.

Vehicle Contents and Investigation in Delhi Elections

According to Delhi Police officials, the search of the vehicle revealed multiple liquor bottles, cash amounting to several lakhs of rupees, and AAP campaign pamphlets. The discovery prompted immediate legal action, with a case being registered at the Tilak Marg police station. The Flying Squad, responsible for monitoring Model Code of Conduct violations and handling complaints related to liquor, arms, and cash during elections, led the initial investigation.

Vehicle Authentication Discrepancy in Delhi Elections

A crucial twist emerged when the Punjab government conducted a verification of the vehicle’s registration details. The number plate (PB35AE1342) was traced to a Ford EcoSport from 2018, registered to an Army Dental College staff member in Pathankot, who is originally from Khadki, Maharashtra. However, the seized vehicle was identified as a Hyundai Creta, immediately raising questions about the authenticity of the vehicle’s identification.

Punjab Government’s Response for Delhi Elections

The Punjab government issued a detailed statement categorically denying any connection to the seized vehicle. Their investigation revealed several irregularities:

• The registration plate was determined to be forged and fake
• The vehicle lacked the mandatory High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP)
• No such vehicle was found in the government’s fleet or hire records These findings effectively established that the vehicle had no legitimate connection to the Punjab government.

AAP’s Counter-allegations

The Aam Aadmi Party strongly rejected the allegations, describing the incident as “totally fake and laughable.” The party highlighted several suspicious elements:

• The discrepancy in the vehicle’s registration details
• The absence of any entry record at Punjab Bhawan
• The convenient positioning of the vehicle with no driver present
• The questionable trail of ownership leading to multiple locations AAP characterized the incident as a “planted stunt” that was poorly executed, suggesting political motivation behind the controversy.

BJP’s Political Response in Delhi Elections

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva seized the opportunity to criticize AAP, expressing shock over the recovery of Rs 10 lakh in cash, liquor, and election materials from what appeared to be a Punjab government vehicle. He used the incident to criticize Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of not only institutionalizing corruption in the Delhi government but also polluting the city’s political system.

Electoral Context and Timing

The incident gains particular significance given the proximity to the Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, 2025, with vote counting set for February 8. The timing of the discovery has intensified political tensions, as it comes during a crucial period when the Model Code of Conduct is in effect and scrutiny of campaign activities is at its highest.

 Delhi Elections Broader Implications

This controversy highlights several critical aspects of election management and political campaigning:

• The importance of vehicle authentication and registration systems
• The role of election monitoring bodies in preventing illegal campaign activities
• The potential for political manipulation and false flag operations
• The challenges in maintaining electoral integrity in a highly contested political environment

Investigation Status

The Delhi Police has initiated a formal investigation into the incident, focusing on several key aspects:

• The source of the cash and liquor found in the vehicle
• The authenticity of the vehicle’s documentation and registration
• The identity and motives of those responsible for the vehicle’s placement
• Any potential violations of the Model Code of Conduct

The incident has become a significant talking point in Delhi’s electoral landscape, with both major parties using it to advance their political narratives. As the investigation continues, the outcome could have important implications for the upcoming elections and the broader political discourse in the national capital.