Punjab Police arrested 28-year-old Komal Jangra alias Cobra from a workshop in Rohtak's Amrit Colony on November 9 in connection with an alleged ₹7-crore extortion demand and threats against former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal and his family. Following his arrest, Komal's family has come forward to defend him, claiming that he has no links with any gang and questioning the circumstances surrounding the case.
Komal was arrested after an alleged threatening phone call was reportedly made to AAP MLA Jarnail Singh in Delhi, demanding ₹7 crore and threatening harm to Kejriwal and his family. The case was registered in Mohali, Punjab, and the arrest was carried out by Punjab Police in Rohtak, Haryana.
According to his family, Komal was produced before a court on November 10, which granted Punjab Police one-day remand. After his subsequent production before the court, he was sent to judicial custody.
Family questions arrest and alleges political targeting
Komal's elder brother, Tilak Raj, a lawyer by profession, has questioned the allegations against him and claimed that his brother is being portrayed as a criminal despite having no significant criminal background.
Speaking to the media in Rohtak, Tilak Raj alleged that Komal had no association with any gang and might be getting caught in a political controversy. He also questioned why the alleged threat was communicated to AAP MLA Jarnail Singh instead of directly to Kejriwal.
The family further questioned why the FIR was registered in Mohali when the alleged call was received by the MLA in Delhi. Tilak Raj also sought to know how Komal obtained Jarnail Singh's personal mobile number.
However, he confirmed that the mobile number mentioned in the FIR belonged to his brother, who had recently obtained a new number.
Brother cites education and employment background
Defending Komal, Tilak Raj said his brother had previously worked in two government departments and had also appeared for the Staff Selection Commission's Combined Graduate Level (SSC CGL) examination.
According to him, Komal had worked as a clerk at a civil hospital before joining the Revenue Department at the Mini Secretariat. He eventually left the latter job following a workplace dispute.
Tilak Raj acknowledged that his brother had an aggressive temperament and had faced one or two minor cases related to fights, but maintained that he had no major criminal history or gang connections.
Family yet to speak to Komal after arrest
Tilak Raj said the family had not been able to speak to Komal following his arrest and was struggling to understand why he would allegedly make such threats.
He questioned whether his brother was being politically targeted or used for political purposes, given that the case involves a prominent AAP leader.
The family's claims have not been independently established. The allegations of extortion and threats against Kejriwal and his family remain under investigation, and the police probe is expected to establish the circumstances of the alleged call and Komal's role in the case.
