The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested AAP leader and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in excise policy-linked money laundering case. This case allegedly involved collaboration between Kejriwal, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, and AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh to devise a policy benefiting a liquor lobby from southern India, referred to as the “South Lobby,” in exchange for ₹100 crore for AAP.
Today, 22 March 2024 at 10:30 am, the Supreme Court will listen to a request from Delhi’s Chief Minister and AAP leader, Arvind Kejriwal. He’s challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection to the Delhi excise policy scam. The ED expected to bring him before a special court for further questioning. This arrest makes Arvind Kejriwal the first sitting chief minister to be arrested.
Allegations against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
The ED claims Kejriwal’s involvement as a conspirator in framing the liquor policy case. Statements from witnesses and accused individuals implicated Kejriwal. Which includes Vijay Nair, who frequented Kejriwal’s office and purportedly discussed the policy with him. Nair allegedly facilitated a meeting between Kejriwal and Indospirit owner Sameer Mahendru.
The case against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal
The Enforcement Directorate, which is looking into money laundering in the alleged liquor policy scam, labeled Mr. Kejriwal as a “conspirator”. Yesterday, 21 March 2024 evening, the investigation team went to Mr. Kejriwal’s house with a search warrant since he had ignored nine summons from the agency. Later, the Delhi High Court denied him protection from arrest. Around 9 pm, after searching his house and questioning him, the agency arrested him and took him to the ED office. His and his wife’s phones were seized, and data was taken from two tablets and a laptop at his home. Mr. Kejriwal spent the night in an ED lock-up after a medical check-up at RML hospital.
In a press conference after midnight, AAP announced a nationwide protest against the BJP on Friday. In Delhi, the protest will be outside the BJP headquarters.
The scrapped excise policy aimed to revamp the liquor business in Delhi and promised a more modern shopping experience. However, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered an investigation into alleged irregularities in the new policy, leading to its cancellation.
Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest comes shortly after BRS leader K Kavitha arrested in the liquor policy case. Mr. Kejriwal was accused of being a conspirator for the first time after Kavitha’s arrest. Two other prominent AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are already in jail in connection with the case.
Vijay Nair’s Role
Vijay Nair, a key figure in the case, spent significant time at Kejriwal’s office and claimed to have discussed the policy with him. He arranged a meeting between Kejriwal and Sameer Mahendru, which was unsuccessful. Nair later facilitated a video call between them, during which Kejriwal referred to Nair as someone he trusted.
Testimony of Raghav Magunta
Raghav Magunta, an accused turned witness, stated that his father, a YSR Congress Party MP, met Kejriwal to discuss the liquor policy. This testimony suggests Kejriwal’s involvement in the policy-making process.
Statement by C Arvind
C Arvind, a former secretary of Manish Sisodia, claimed that he received a draft report on the liquor policy from Sisodia in March of the 2022. Upon visiting Kejriwal’s house, Arvind observed Sisodia and Satyendar Jain discussing the document. He alleged that the proposal was not discussed in any group of ministers’ meeting but was instructed to prepare a report based on it.
Conclusion
The ED’s allegations against Arvind Kejriwal involve his purported role as a conspirator in framing a liquor policy benefiting a southern Indian liquor lobby in exchange for funds for AAP. Statements from witnesses and accused individuals suggest Kejriwal’s active involvement in discussions related to the policy. The investigation continues to unfold, shedding light on the intricacies of the alleged conspiracy.
 has arrested AAP leader and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in excise policy-linked money laundering case.){kind=link}