India

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Skips Seventh ED Summons in Money Laundering Probe

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.

Also read: Allahabad High Court Upholds Varanasi District Court’s Decision on Gyanvapi Mosque Prayers Dispute

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.

Srushti Sharma

Recent Posts

Parag Jain Appointed New RAW Chief, 1989-Batch IPS Officer To Succeed Ravi Sinha

Mr Jain, a 1989-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Punjab cadre, will take…

37 mins ago

Avinash Bhosale Sold ₹1,432 Crore London Hotel While In Custody, ED and CBI Probe Raises Alarms

Flora Development, a UK-based subsidiary of Bhosale’s ABIL Group, carried out the sale in August…

1 hour ago

Bihar Signs Mou With AAI To Develop Six Regional Airports Under Udan Scheme

The MoU follows the recent approval of the proposal by the State Cabinet. Hon’ble Chief…

2 hours ago

Rajasthan Sees Growing Demand For Extension Of Acting DGP Ravi Prakash Meharda

Dr Meharda, a senior Dalit IPS officer, now stands at the centre of a larger…

2 hours ago

PIB Refutes Media Report Claiming IAF Lost Jets Due To Political Constraints

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has dismissed a media report by The Wire as misleading,…

2 hours ago

Paresh Rawal Confirms Return To Hera Pheri 3 After Legal Settlement With Akshay Kumar

When asked if the original cast is returning for Hera Pheri 3, Rawal replied, “It…

3 hours ago