Naresh Balyan is former AP MLA and close to Arvind Kejriwal
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police has invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against nine associates of the notorious Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu gang, including Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Naresh Balyan and the gangster’s brother, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The crackdown follows a surge in extortion and ransom demands across Dwarka, West Delhi, and Outer Delhi, allegedly masterminded by the Nandu syndicate. The gang, led by fugitive Kapil Sangwan, has been accused of running a criminal enterprise spanning Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab—linked to murders, armed assaults, extortion rackets, and targeted shootings.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Surender Kumar said that the police have arrested shooters, financiers, and facilitators, recovering extorted money and illegal weapons. Efforts are underway to trace the proceeds of crime under MCOCA provisions.
Naresh Balyan, a former Uttam Nagar MLA, is accused of facilitating extortion by identifying vulnerable targets—particularly builders—for the gang. He allegedly received a cut from the settlements arranged with these victims. Investigators cited disclosures by co-accused individuals and a leaked audio clip of his conversation with Kapil Sangwan as evidence. Balyan already faces four criminal cases, including extortion charges. He is said to be close to AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal.
Kapil’s brother, Jyoti Prakash alias Baba, has emerged as a critical figure in the gang’s growth. After the death of their brother-in-law Sunil alias Doctor, Baba allegedly drew Kapil deeper into crime. From prison, he acted as the primary recruiter for gang shooters and is already implicated in 24 criminal cases, ranging from extortion to murder.
The police identified other arrested associates as Ritik alias Peter, Rohit Sharma alias Anna, Sachin Chhikara, Vijay Gahlot, Sahil alias Poli, Vikas Gahlot, and Amardeep Lochab. Their roles include arranging firearms, executing contract killings, collecting extortion payments, and laundering funds through hawala channels.
Authorities said the investigation remains active and more seizures are expected as the case unfolds.