Supreme Court Criticizes AAP Government as Tanker Mafia Crisis Deepens

The Supreme Court criticized the AAP government for the water crisis in Delhi involving the tanker mafia. Delhi Minister Atishi accused senior officials of reducing water tankers and demanded an inquiry. Delhi BJP also alleged collusion between officials and the mafia. The blame game and legal battles with Haryana continue.

In a stern rebuke, the Supreme Court on Wednesday castigated the AAP government over its handling of the water crisis in Delhi, spotlighting the rampant activities of the tanker mafia. The escalating blame game saw Delhi Minister Atishi accusing senior officials of colluding with the mafia to decrease the number of Delhi Jal Board (DJB) water tankers, demanding an immediate inquiry into the allegations.

Reacting to the apex court’s observations, the Lieutenant Governor Secretariat penned a letter to the Delhi Police Commissioner, urging stringent action against the tanker mafia siphoning water from the Munak canal. The LG's office sought a compliance report within a week, pressuring the police to maintain strict surveillance to prevent further water thefts.

The BJP’s Delhi wing joined the fray, with its president Virendra Sachdeva and other leaders filing a complaint to initiate an FIR against the suspected collusion. Amidst worsening water shortages exacerbated by a severe heatwave, Atishi took swift action, directing quick response teams to check for pipeline leakages while continuing to allege bureaucratic complacency.