Delhi LG VK Saxena to sue AAP leaders for defamation over corruption allegations

AAP has alleged that Saxena had put pressure on two employees to change banned currency notes worth Rs. 1,400 crore when he was chairman of a government Khadi body during the demonetization of 2016.

Saxena refuted the AAP charge as a "figment of their imagination".

"This has been the hallmark of (Arvind) Kejriwal and co. to shoot and scoot and then when pushed for truth, apologise," said Saxena's office in a statement.

"The LG has taken a serious view of these blatantly false, defamatory and obviously diversionary allegations made by these AAP leaders and has decided to take legal action against them so that the AAP does not get away with its characteristic shoot and scoot," the statement said.

Saxena defended himself saying during that period, a vigilance inquiry was called when it came to be known that "certain demonetized notes were deposited in the account of Khadi Gramodyog Bhawan." Four officials were suspended.

The CBI in its probe found that Rs. 17,07,000 in banned notes was deposited and only two of the officials were involved. The case is still pending in a court, said the Lieutenant Governor's office.

"The matter being falsely touted by the AAP is with regards to just ₹ 17.07 lakh as against the claims of ₹ 1,400 crore, which is nothing but a figment of imagination for which the habitual liars will face the consequences," the statement from LG's office said.

Responding to the defamation charge the AAP has called for an inquiry.

"There should be an independent inquiry in this case. The way this case was handled is against the principles of natural justice," said AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj.