The arrest of a fake ED officer in Kutch has sparked a mudslinging contest in Gujarat. Allegations and counter-allegations have been flying thick and fast between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)—each accusing the other of ties to the arrested accused Abdul Sattar Majothi.

Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi struck the first blow, accusing AAP and its leaders of being involved in the case through posts on Friday.

Sanghavi started the ball rolling, with this post on X.

AAP’s Gujarat unit chief Isudan Gadhvi volleyed by tweeting photographs of the accused with a BJP MP and police officials, questioning their connections. He challenged Sanghavi to explain these ties, stating, “Baat nikli hai to door tak jayegi (very loosely translated: You’ve started this; now brace for the fallout).”

He also demanded that the minister either provide concrete evidence against AAP or face an open debate on the issue.

Majothi was arrested on December 4, for allegedly masterminding a Bollywood-style fake ED raid in Kutch’s Gandhidham on December 2 and stealing jewellery worth ₹22.25 lakh.

He has been in police remand since his arrest, officials say, adding that his criminal history includes charges of murder and attempt to murder.

Kutch (East) police Kutch (East) Superintendent of Police Sagar Bagmar on Saturday told reporters that Majothi allegedly told the police that he met with AAP Gujarat leaders Gopal Italia and Manoj Sorathiya at Bhuj circuit house a few months ago. “(Majothi) is an AAP worker who used money earned illegally to fund party activities,” Bagmar also said.

AAP has vehemently denied these claims.

Italia released a video criticizing the BJP, claiming that the party has misled the people of Gujarat. Italia raised questions about how an accused person, allegedly in jail, could have made confessions implicating AAP leaders.

He further challenged Sanghavi to debate him publicly instead of making accusations via social media.