MP: VHP expels Ashish Singh after links with ISI espionage racket surface

Correspondent

NewsBits.in

BHOPAL: Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has expelled Ashish Singh Rathore after his alleged links with kingpins of the ISI espionage racket surfaced. 

VHP has formally announced that Ashish Singh Rathore, who hails from Satna, has been expelled from the organisation. 

General secretary, VHP, Sagar Gupta has confirmed the decision to expel him. A press release has also been issued in this regard.

After BJP IT cell convener Dhruv Saxena and Balram Singh, who had Bajrang Dal links, Ashish Singh is the third person whose name has come up in connection with the racket. 

Balram has been arrested earlier. Ashish Singh, who was linked to both Bajrang Dal and VHP, apart from being head of district cow protection cell, was his close confidante. They were involved in the Virat Hindu Sammelan, a convention, that was organised in Satna recently. 

Ashish and another accomplice CB Singh are missing. ATS sources said that Balram used Ashish's account for transferring cash. The racket was also operating illegal telephone exchange that helped agents connect to their handlers. Balram alone had 110 ATM cards.He allegedly used them to deposit money in the accounts of ISI agents in other states. 

Himanshu Baghel arrested

The Bhopal police have also arrested Himanshu Baghel, another key person in the racket. Baghel was arrested from his house on Tuesday. Illegal firearms were also seized from the house. Baghel is close to Dhruv Saxena.

Those arrested including Manish Gandhi, Dhruv Saxena and Balram Singh are still in ATS custody. Others including Manoj Bharti and Sandeep Gupta are in jail on judicial custody. Several investigating agencies are questioning the suspects.

The ATS teams of other states are arriving in Madhya Pradesh to interrogate them. Meanwhile, Ashish Singh is yet to be arrested. His phone number is switched off after his association with Balram and alleged role in the transfer of funds was known.