Reddy’s statement resulted in Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest: Atishi

Senior AAP leader and minister Atishi alleged that the money trail was found in the BJP’s account. She challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ED to ‘arrest’ BJP national president JP Nadda.

Her remarks came a day after Delhi court sent Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to the custody of the Directorate of Enforcement.

Addressing a press conference, Atishi said that, till date, no money trail has been found connected to any AAP leader.

Atishi further added, “In the so-called excise policy scam of Delhi, CBI and ED investigations have been going on for the past two years. In these two years, a question has come up again and again Where is the money trail? Where did the money go? No proceeds of crime were recovered from any leader, minister, or worker of AAP.”

Describing the money trail, Atishi said, Sharad Chandra Reddy’s statement resulted in Kejriwal’s arrest.

She said, “Arvind Kejriwal was arrested in the same case two days back based on the statement of just one person (Sharat Chandra Reddy). He was summoned on 9th November 2022 for questioning. He clearly said that he never met or spoke with Arvind Kejriwal and has nothing to do with AAP. As soon as he said that, he was arrested the next day by the ED. After being in jail for several months, he changed his statement. He said that he met Arvind Kejriwal and spoke with him over the excise policy matter. He was granted bail as soon as he said that. But where is the money? Where is the money trail?”

Atishi further added that Sharad Chandra Reddy transferred Rs 4.5 crore electoral bonds to the BJP during the excise policy scam. Following the arrest, the BJP received 55 crore in bonds.

The arrest by the central agency has drawn severe criticism for the BJP-led centre from the opposition leaders.

Party leader Gopal Rai on friday said, “The AAP will gherao the prime minister’s residence on 26 March to register its protest against Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED.”

Kejriwal’s arrest came days after the ED arrested Bharat Rashta Samithi (BRS) leader and daughter of former Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao K Kavitha, in connection with its investigation into money laundering charges linked to the now-scrapped excise policy. Kavitha is in ED custody till 23 March.