Minister’s defence: Youth abused his family; Heated exchange with AAP MLA Jarnail Singh over road quality in Tilak NagarAAP releases video, victim files police complaint and seeks minister’s suspension; Verma alleges MLA demanded commissionNew Delhi. A political controversy erupted in Delhi over a road construction issue in the Tilak Nagar area after a video appeared to show Delhi PWD Minister Parvesh Verma slapping a young man who was recording the incident on his mobile phone. The incident occurred during a heated confrontation between Verma and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Jarnail Singh over the quality of road construction.The video, shared by the AAP and subsequently reported by multiple media outlets, shows Verma pulling down the young man’s mobile phone and appearing to slap him. A security personnel is then seen intervening between the two.The AAP alleged that the incident occurred after local residents and the MLA questioned the quality of a newly constructed road. The young man, identified in reports as Sahib Singh, has also alleged that Verma took his phone, slapped him and that he was pushed by security personnel. He said he had filed a police complaint and sought action against the minister.Road Surface Pulled Up, Heated Exchange and Then the SlapAccording to videos and reports from the spot, the dispute began during an inspection of a recently constructed road on the Vikas Puri Ring Road in Tilak Nagar.Argument over road quality: AAP MLA Jarnail Singh was seen pulling up a portion of the road surface with his hand and showing it to Verma, questioning the quality of the work. The exchange between the two leaders subsequently became heated.Incident near the minister’s car: After the argument, Verma moved towards his vehicle while Singh and others followed. A young man was recording the proceedings on his mobile phone. The video shows Verma lowering the phone and appearing to slap the man, following which security personnel moved between them.Parvesh Verma’s Defence: ‘They Abused My Family’After the video circulated widely, Verma released a video statement giving his version of the incident.Allegation of commission demand: Verma alleged that PWD work was underway on the Vikas Puri Ring Road and claimed that local AAP MLA Jarnail Singh had been pressuring departmental engineers to arrange commissions from contractors. He said an engineer had complained to the police in this regard and that an FIR was being registered. This allegation has been presented as Verma’s claim and is not established by the reports cited here.Family abuse allegation: Explaining his reaction, Verma said that he had gone to inspect the work when Jarnail Singh arrived with supporters and allegedly behaved improperly. Verma claimed that one of the MLA’s associates abused his family and said his reaction was what an ordinary person might have given under such circumstances.The two sides have therefore offered sharply different accounts of the confrontation: the AAP has focused on the alleged assault and the quality of the road, while Verma has alleged provocation and abuse of his family.AAP Steps Up AttackFollowing the incident, AAP leaders intensified their criticism of the minister. Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj accused Verma of assaulting the youth while under police protection and criticised the incident on social media. Jarnail Singh also shared the video and alleged that the minister lost his temper when questions were raised about the road.AAP leaders have demanded action against Verma, while former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has called for his arrest.Previous Controversies Involving Parvesh VermaThis is not the first time Parvesh Verma has been at the centre of controversy over his public statements or conduct.Shaheen Bagh remarks (2020): The Election Commission barred him from campaigning for 96 hours over remarks made during an election campaign.Remarks against Arvind Kejriwal (2020): The Election Commission imposed a 24-hour campaign ban on him over objectionable remarks concerning the then Delhi Chief Minister.Yamuna Ghat controversy (2022): A video surfaced showing a heated exchange with a Delhi Jal Board official over the use of chemicals to remove foam from the Yamuna.Cash distribution allegation (2024): Allegations were made that women were given ₹1,100 and cards at his residence. Verma said the assistance was being provided by a trust associated with his father.Shoes for sanitation workers controversy (2025): A complaint was filed over an incident at a Valmiki temple in which he was accused of attempting to influence voters by making sanitation workers wear shoes.
