BJP harbouring criminals, Dawood henchman part of polls: NCP

NCP today claimed that an accomplice of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim was part of BJP's campaign for general and Assembly elections.
"He (Riyaz Bhati) was actively involved with BJP during recent Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha polls. He is also a member of BJP working committee," NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik told reporters at a press conference.
Malik claimed that Bhati had charges of land grabbing and extortion pending against him.
"After our expose, BJP is saying that they will slap a case against us. We accept their challenge and are ready to fight legal battle," he said referring to release of photographs purportedly showing Bhati with some BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and others, by NCP yesterday.

BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari had yesterday threatened to file a defamation suit against Malik, saying BJP has nothing to do with Bhati.
Malik said he wanted to know on whose direction Bhati was provided security by police.

"We have been asking a question since yesterday as to on whose direction police security has been provided to the gangster (Bhati) since December 2014?"
"He was roaming the entire world with a fake passport under the name of Fulji Bhati. He was arrested at Sahar airport (Mumbai airport) on the basis of a red-corner notice, following an IB alert that Fulji Bhati is actually Riaz Bhati," Malik claimed.

The NCP leader said Bhati got bail within 15 days of his arrest.
"Why sections of MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crimes Act) were not slapped on him (Bhati). Why no chargesheet has been filed even after 365 days. So, at some level he has political blessings of BJP government," Malik said, adding that they will file a writ petition if Bhati is not booked under MCOCA.
Malik yesterday alleged that ruling BJP had admitted people with criminal background into its fold including Bhati, and sought clarification from Fadnavis, who heads Home portfolio.
He had claimed that Bhati was arrested by the ATS last year, but was admitted to the BJP and made executive committee member of the Mumbai BJP.

(Reopens BES 25)
Meanwhile, Mumbai BJP president Ashish Shelar today submitted an application to the police demanding an enquiry against Bhati.
Deputy Commissioner of Police and police spokesperson Ashok Dudhe said the crime branch will conduct an enquiry.
Bhati is a member of Mumbai Cricket Association and runs a sports academy in the city.