• Source:JND
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The arrest of an Indian man in the United States over child pornography charges has ignited a political firestorm in Punjab, India. Gurjeet Singh Malhi, a 42-year-old Indian citizen residing in Washington state, was arrested during a joint federal law enforcement operation, as announced by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Seattle unit on July 11.

In a post on X, ICE stated: “A citizen of India, Gurjeet Singh Malhi, 42, was arrested during a joint federal law enforcement action in WA. Malhi has been charged by local authorities of possession of CSAM, child sexual assault material, commonly known as child porn.” The post also included Malhi’s arrest photo, further intensifying public attention.

Political Fallout In Punjab

The arrest of Malhi, who is reported to be a realtor and investor, quickly took on political dimensions after his photographs with various political leaders in Punjab surfaced online. Notably, several pictures showed him posing with members of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including family members of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. These images, widely circulated on social media, triggered an intense political slugfest.

Opposition leaders from both the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) wasted no time in capitalising on the incident. Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira took to Facebook, questioning the Chief Minister's association with Malhi. “We demand an explanation from Bhagwant Mann; what is the connection of his family with a shameful criminal like NRI Gurjeet Malhi?” Khaira wrote.

Photos With Politicians Go Viral

Several of the images now in circulation show Malhi with leaders across party lines, but it is his association with AAP figures that has drawn the most scrutiny. While it remains unclear whether Malhi had any formal political ties, the viral nature of the photos has heightened pressure on the AAP government.

As of now, there has been no official response from the Aam Aadmi Party regarding the controversy. The silence has fueled further speculation and criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the ruling party of evading accountability.