Delhi Minister Slaps Man Amidst Road Inspection Row

The Cliff News | 29 September 2026

A contentious incident unfolded in west Delhi as Public Works Department minister Parvesh Sahib Singh was filmed slapping a man during an inspection of a newly laid road. The video, which surfaced on social media, has triggered a significant political controversy, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties.

The confrontation occurred in Tilak Nagar while Minister Singh was assessing the quality of road construction. An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA, Jarnail Singh, present at the scene, reportedly questioned the road's integrity and demonstrated by pulling up portions of the surface by hand. It was at this juncture that a man, identified as Saheb Singh and associated with AAP MLA Jarnail Singh, began recording the inspection. The video shows Minister Singh then approaching and slapping the man.

Political Outcry and Accusations

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was among the first to react, denouncing the incident as an exhibition of the "arrogance of power." In a statement posted on X, Kharge accused the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of resorting to violence against citizens who dare to question those in authority.

"When the arrogance of power reaches its peak, oppression and humiliation of the people become a habit. The BJP-RSS folks aren't just crushing democracy with policies; now they're directly assaulting the people with raised batons and sticks," Kharge stated on X.

Kharge further drew parallels with other incidents, citing the baton-charging at Jantar Mantar, the deaths of farmers during the farmers' movement, and the alleged beating of Dalits in Una, Gujarat. He argued that the BJP-led governments have become overly sensitive to public scrutiny, resorting to aggressive tactics against dissent.

AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal also weighed in on the controversy. The former Delhi Chief Minister questioned how the BJP expected to connect with the younger generation when such incidents were occurring. He emphasized that India's Gen Z seeks honesty and straightforwardness from its government.

"This country's Gen Z expects honesty from you. It expects straightforwardness," Kejriwal said in a video message on X.

Kejriwal demanded accountability for any corruption in the road works, noting that the quality of the newly laid road in Tilak Nagar had been challenged. He also alleged that the Delhi Police had been instructed to provide protection to the minister.

Minister's Account and Counter-Allegations

Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh offered a different perspective on the incident. In a video message released on X, he claimed that the man who was slapped had subjected his family members to abuse, leading to his angry reaction.

"When his (AAP MLA's) worker abused my family, I did what any person would do after getting angry," Singh explained.

Singh also levelled accusations against AAP MLA Jarnail Singh, alleging that the latter had sought a commission from the contractor for the road repair work. The minister stated that an FIR would be filed in this matter.

The individual who was slapped, Saheb Singh, identified himself as a social media handler for MLA Jarnail Singh. He recounted that he was filming the inspection when Minister Singh allegedly snatched his phone and then struck him. He further claimed that the minister's security personnel restrained him, including grabbing him by the neck.

Further Reactions and Official Complaint

Saheb Singh has reportedly lodged a complaint against Minister Singh at the Vikaspuri police station. Minister Singh, however, maintained that the AAP's circulated video lacked context and reiterated his claim about the alleged demand for a commission by the local AAP MLA.

AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj also condemned the defence of Minister Singh's actions. He drew a parallel, questioning if a political figure facing allegations of violence could then justify slapping another individual. Bharadwaj criticised those defending the minister, referring to him as Delhi's public works minister.

The incident has evolved into a broader political dispute, with the opposition highlighting the conduct of the minister. The BJP's stance, as articulated by Minister Singh, focuses on the alleged provocation and lack of full context in the widely shared video.

Background of the Road Inspection

The road inspection in Tilak Nagar was reportedly related to recent construction work. The questioning of the road's quality by AAP MLA Jarnail Singh appears to be the immediate precursor to the physical altercation involving Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh.

The political implications of this incident are significant, with opposition parties using it to critique the ruling party's approach to public engagement and governance. The BJP, on the other hand, is defending its minister by pointing to alleged personal attacks and a lack of complete context in the viral video.

The situation remains tense, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives. The police are understood to be investigating the complaint filed by Saheb Singh. The wider political fallout is expected to continue as the two major parties in Delhi engage in a public debate over the incident.

Current Status: A complaint has been lodged by the man who was slapped. Minister Singh has alleged that he was provoked by abuse directed at his family. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.