https://www.businessworld.in/article/ED-Summons-Delhi-CM-Arvind-Kejriwal-For-Questioning-In-Money-Laundering-Probe-/13-01-2024-505921/
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued fresh summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, requiring his appearance on 18 January for questioning in connection to the money laundering probe associated with irregularities in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that this marks the fourth summons, with Kejriwal having previously skipped the ED’s third summons last week.
The ED's persistent efforts to probe the case were hindered by Kejriwal's repeated non-compliance with the summons. The agency, in its response to Kejriwal's refusal to attend the third summons, mentioned the Chief Minister's accusation of the summons being "illegal" and highlighted his concerns about potential arrest hampering his election campaigning.
The ED intends to interrogate Kejriwal on the formulation of the excise policy, pre-policy meetings, and allegations of bribery. Kejriwal has dismissed the two prior summonses, issued on 2 November and 22 December, as "illegal and politically motivated."
In its sixth charge sheet filed on 2 December, 2023, the ED alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) used kickbacks amounting to Rs 45 crore from the excise policy for its Goa assembly elections campaign in 2022.
This marks the first time the agency explicitly mentions the amount and designates the AAP as a direct beneficiary.
The ED claims that total bribes of Rs 100 crore were paid to AAP leaders in connection with the excise policy. The charge sheet also alleges personal benefits to some AAP leaders, citing bribes linked to jailed AAP leader Manish Sisodia, former AAP communications in-charge Vijay Nair, and AAP leader Sanjay Singh.
The agency asserts that the excise policy was formulated as part of a conspiracy by AAP leaders to generate and channel illegal funds. Kejriwal has previously been referred to as the "brainchild" behind the policy.
Despite accusations and ongoing investigations, Kejriwal has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his readiness to cooperate while challenging the legality and intent of the ED's actions.
The ED's excise policy probe has so far resulted in six charge sheets against 31 individuals and entities, including former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and AAP's Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh, both currently incarcerated in Tihar jail. The agency is expected to include the AAP in its next charge sheet, building on findings that the party directly benefited from the purported kickbacks.
