Sukhbir writes to Rajnath seeking probe into AAP funding

Chandigarh, Aug 28 (PTI) Punjab Deputy Chief MinisterSukhbir Singh Badal today requested Union Home MinisterRajnath Singh to initiate a probe into the funding of AAPallegedly by "extremist elements abroad" which aims todestabilise the state ahead of assembly elections next year. Sukhbir, in a letter to Singh, requested him to launch animmediate investigation into the "huge amount of money" beingreceived by AAP from "radical elements residing in NorthAmerica, Europe and Australia". Sukhbir, who also holds the Home portfolio in the stateclaimed, "A thorough investigation into the money trail wouldunravel and expose those trying to disturb the hard won peaceof Punjab through incidents of sacrilege and violence." "Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener ArvindKejriwal had virtually revived the radical groups who had beencompletely marginalised in the state by initiating a dialoguewith them," he alleged in the letter. "According to our information, an understanding wasreached that AAP would hand over SGPC to radical Sikhs in lieuof support from them to win the polls," Sukhbir alleged,adding "under this understanding radical elements collectedunder one fold to organise a so called Sarbat Khalsaconference to open a front against SAD." Asserting that AAP’s Delhi MLA Naresh Yadav is an accusedin a sacrilege incident in Malerkotla, the Deputy ChiefMinister claimed the state government has intelligence thatradical elements were behind a number of other sacrilegeincidents in the state. Sukhbir said he had conveyed this information to NationalSecurity Advisor Ajit Doval earlier and is following up thiswith this letter as there is a "real threat" to Punjab due tothe "support" being given to the radical groups and theircause by AAP leaders. PTI VJ NSD RGNSD