Rajasthan BJP leader among two detained in connection with govt 'toppling' bid

Bharat Malani, a businessman and BJP leader from Beawar, is among the two people detained by the SOG in connection with the alleged bid to topple the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan.

Jaipur (Rajasthan): The Rajasthan police's special operations group has detained two people including Bharat Malani, a businessman and BJP leader from Ajmer district, in connection with the alleged bid to topple the Gehlot government in the state.

According to reports, the SOG detained Malani from Beawar in Ajmer district and brought him to Jaipur, where he will be questioned in connection with the case.

During the SOG's investigation, it has reportedly come to light that a there was an alleged bid to topple the Ashok Gehlot government prior to the Rajya Sabha polls in Rajasthan.

The SOG had reportedly taken two numbers on surveillance in connection with alleged smuggling of illegal weapons and explosive substances. According to the conversations between the two numbers, there was reportedly a bid to topple the government.

According to the SOG, apart from the toppling of the government, there was also talk about the formation of a new government, and break up of finances related to MLAs during the phone conversations.

Read:Gehlot, Pilot to record statement over bid to 'topple' Cong govt

The SOG has initiated a further investigation into the matter and has detained the two operators of the two phone numbers - one Ashok Singh Chauhan from Udaipur, and Beawar resident Bharat Malani.

According to reports, Malani who resides in Beawar's Ajmer Road area is a part of the BJP and has also sought to contest Assembly elections on the party's ticket multiple times in the past.

Further, he had also held positions in the BJP'S state industrial cell and the small scale industries merchants' association.

Malani reportedly owns a mineral stone factory in Beawar and mines in Amet. Besides, he also invests in the real estate business.

Chauhan's son calls allegations baseless. Meanwhile, the son of Ashok Singh Chauhan said that his family had no connection with politics whatsoever and all the allegations against his father are baseless.

"We have no direct or indirect link with the political matter. We are from a normal background, allegations against my father are completely baseless," said Divya Chauhan.

He further alleged that his family has not been given any information about the mobile number based on which his father was detained.

Read:Rajasthan Cong MLAs allege BJP trying to topple Gehlot govt