In a counter affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of orchestrating the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy. The CBI claims that Kejriwal, in “connivance” with then-Deputy Chief Minister and Excise Minister Manish Sisodia, was responsible for all critical decisions regarding the policy’s formulation.
The CBI is seeking the dismissal of Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest in the excise policy scandal. The agency argues that Kejriwal’s actions are an attempt to politically sensationalize the matter, despite repeated court orders affirming the prima facie evidence of offenses.
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The affidavit states that, although Kejriwal does not hold a ministerial portfolio, all decisions within the Delhi government and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are made with his concurrence. This includes decisions affecting not only Delhi but also other regions where AAP operates.
Excise Policy’s Creation
According to the CBI, the investigation revealed that Kejriwal played a pivotal role in the new Excise Policy’s creation. The agency alleges that Kejriwal, in collaboration with Sisodia and other accused individuals, manipulated the policy to increase wholesalers’ profit margins from 5% to 12% without justification. This change allegedly resulted in illegal gains amounting to Rs 100 crore from the South Group, intended to cover AAP’s election expenses in Goa.
The CBI further asserts that Rs 44.54 crore funnel through hawala channels from Delhi to Goa for AAP’s election-related costs during the 2021-22 Goa Assembly elections. Kejriwal purportedly assure party candidates that election expenses will cover.
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for September 5 to address Kejriwal’s bail plea and his challenge to the CBI’s arrest. A bench led by Justice Surya Kant adjourned proceedings after Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju requested a week to file a response on behalf of the CBI. The court had previously asked the CBI to submit its reply by August 23.
In the meantime, a local court extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody until August 27 in connection with the excise policy case.
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