Love Commandos being framed, claims son of absconding office bearer

Delhi-based organisation Love Commandos’ chief Sanjoy Sachdev has been arrested based on complaints from two couples who were contacted by officials from the Delhi Commission for Women and the Delhi Police. Chief co-ordinator Harsh Malhotra was also named and is on the run.

The son of NGO Love Commandos’ chief coordinator on Thursday claimed that the organisation was being framed in a case of harassing couples.

An outside view of the shelter home run by NGO Love Commandos. The DCW inspected the shelter home and rescued 4 couples from there on Wednesday, January 30, 2019. (Sanchit Khanna / HT Photo)

On Wednesday, the central Delhi-based organisation’s chief Sanjoy Sachdev was arrested based on complaints from two couples who were contacted by officials from the Delhi Commission for Women and the Delhi Police. Chief co-ordinator Harsh Malhotra was also named and is on the run.

“This is the first time such allegations have surfaced. Since 2010, we have helped over 40,000 couples and have always been praised,” said Manav, Malhotra’s 18-year-old son. “We have submitted all evidence to the police. We read reports of them alleging that dogs were unleashed on them. We have submitted videos and photographs of the same girls playing with the dogs.”

The NGO had shot to fame by claiming to help couples who were being persecuted by their families and relatives in the name of “honour”. Manav said one of the couples had been scolded by the management for indiscipline in the house.

“They have accused us of confining them. We have submitted photographs of the couples partying just days before they lodged the complaint. We have also not charged a penny from them and depend on donations. We will present all our evidence in court,” he said.

Police said they are probing the allegations of the women and are interrogating Sachdev. “We will file a detailed report and present our case in court.”