'Boorish behaviour': 30 ex-cops slam Kejriwal for illtreating policeman in letter to Prez

In a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, thirty former officers of the Indian Police Service or IPS accused Kejriwal of making "certain distasteful and inconsiderate remarks" to the police officer deputed for his security when he offered to accompany him, according to an NDTV report.

"By stating that the police officials of Gujarat are a black spot on the security provided by the State, Mr. Kejriwal sought to gain public validation and praise albeit at the expense of the police forces," the officers added as tey sought President's intervention in the matter.

However, AAP has rubbished the allegations saying that it was merely an outburst of BJP's frustration as it has been "gaining ground exponentially" and the saffron party is "clueless on how to tackle AAP".

"Obviously, the BJP is behind this letter. BJP's prospects in Gujarat in the forthcoming elections are very bad. Their own leaders lack any mass appeal and are completely discredited. That's why the BJP has now sought help of some retired police officers," the AAP said, countering the allegations against Kejriwal, according to the NDTV report.

Kejriwal, who is campaigning for the upcoming assembly polls in Gujarat, had dinner at the house of an auto driver on September 12.

His host had picked him up from the five-star hotel he was staying in. A heated argument had erupted ahead of the journey, said the report, which was followed by a compromise. A policeman had sat beside the auto driver and two police cars escorted the vehicle, said the report.

The ex-cops cited a similar incident in Punjab, where Aam Admi Party won the election.

That time, the Delhi Chief Minister had sought a "withdrawal of security", the letter read.

"It is noteworthy that soon after campaigning concludes, Mr. Kejriwal in a completely conflicting stance is quick to cite "threat perception" and allege that the police forces of the country do not offer him sufficient protection," the letter added.

"We state that through his unpleasant words and actions Mr. Kejriwal intended to paint himself as a political martyr, however, in doing so he has unfairly created a spectacle of the police force not only in the State of Gujarat, but also throughout the country," the letter added.