Gopal Italiya alleges midnight ‘deal’ behind Raju Karpada’s resignation from AAP

Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and MLA Gopal Italiya has alleged that a late-night “setting” involving senior officials and political leaders led to youth leader Raju Karpada resigning from the party. Italiya claimed that Karpada was taken out of jail late at night and met by an IPS officer, suggesting a covert deal to avoid imprisonment in pending criminal cases.

Allegations of late-night jail meeting

Addressing reporters, Italiya alleged that an IPS officer met Karpada in jail at midnight and that Karpada was brought out at around 10 pm for a secret meeting. He questioned the circumstances under which this was allowed, claiming that prisoners are generally not permitted to leave jail premises after 6 pm.

“If Raju Karpada had not resigned, jail was certain,” Italiya said, alleging that the resignation followed an understanding with the Bharatiya Janata Party to avoid incarceration in older cases.

Criminal cases and timing of resignation

Italiya pointed to multiple cases pending against Karpada, including charges of grievous assault, two cases under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code (attempt to murder), and another under Section 326. He said hearings in these matters were underway in the Surendranagar court and that a final decision was expected shortly.

According to Italiya, Karpada resigned just ahead of the anticipated verdict. “The resignation came at a critical moment. Had it not happened, imprisonment was inevitable,” he alleged.

Claims of political meetings and farmers’ issues

The AAP MLA further alleged that Karpada held a private meeting with the state Home Minister in Gandhinagar and accused him of siding with the BJP at the cost of farmers’ interests.

Raising the issue of alleged political bargaining, Italiya said that if any deal had been made to withdraw or soften cases against Karpada, similar consideration should be extended to cases filed against farmers during the agitation. He demanded parity in the treatment of those facing legal action.

Pravin Ram’s account from jail visits

Providing further context, Italiya referred to statements by AAP leader Pravin Ram, who had earlier been jailed along with Karpada following clashes between farmers and the police.

At a press conference, Ram said he had learned that BJP leaders were visiting Karpada in jail. When he met Karpada there, Ram claimed, the youth leader appeared “distressed and frightened”. Despite attempts to reassure him, Karpada chose to leave the party, a decision Ram attributed to fear of imprisonment.

Ram also said that if jail authorities released CCTV footage, “the truth behind the resignation” could come out.

 AAP has not, so far, issued an official response to the allegations, while Karpada and the BJP have also not publicly addressed the claims made by Italiya and Ram.