Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal once again opted to disregard the seventh summons from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday, pertaining to the ongoing money laundering investigation linked to alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22. AAP has insisted that the probe agency should await a court order instead of persistently issuing summons to Kejriwal.
The latest summons from the ED to Kejriwal was scheduled for February 26, marking a continuation of his absence from interrogation since November 2 of the previous year, when he was initially called upon to testify before the probe agency. However, he did not appear, citing the notice as “vague, motivated, and unsustainable in law.”
Despite subsequent summons issued on December 18, January 3, January 18, February 2, and February 19, Kejriwal remained non-compliant, dismissing them as “illegal” and appealing to the ED for their withdrawal.
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In response to Kejriwal’s persistent absence, the probe agency has lodged a complaint against him for “disobeying” its summons in this matter.
The case revolves around the Delhi government’s introduction of an excise policy for 2021-22, aimed at rejuvenating the city’s liquor trade by replacing the previous sales-volume-based system with a license fee structure for traders. The policy also promised upgraded stores without metal grilles, enhancing the shopping experience for customers. However, it was subsequently scrapped after Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena called for a CBI investigation, alleging irregularities.
According to the ED, the Kejriwal-led AAP allegedly received kickbacks amounting to ₹100 crore in exchange for finalizing the excise policy. It is further alleged that a significant portion of this money was utilized by the party for its election campaign in Goa.
In connection with this case, the ED has already arrested top AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh.
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