CBI Charges Arvind Kejriwal in Liquor Policy Scam

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a hefty 200-page chargesheet against the Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, along with five others, after probing alleged wrongdoings in the 2021-22 Delhi Excise Policy.

The chargesheet claims that Kejriwal directly contributed to manipulating the policy to favor a liquor cartel, and it details new evidence suggesting significant financial links between AAP and those implicated.

In this scenario, the CBI is not holding back on accusations. They assert that Kejriwal facilitated these irregularities as he was the top authority, implying that he personally handed over crucial policy documents to a DANICS officer at his home.

This officer has also reportedly confirmed that he received this draft policy just before it was set to be put into action. Along with Kejriwal, other notable figures named in the charges include AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak and several business individuals connected to the liquor industry.

The chargesheet flags a meeting that took place on March 16, 2021, where liquor businessman Magunta Reddy allegedly sought support from Kejriwal to alter the excise policy to enhance business prospects. The CBI claims Kejriwal not only agreed but also suggested financial contributions to AAP from Reddy.

In the depths of this scandal, kickbacks reportedly close to ₹100 crore were said to have been paid by liquor businessmen to various AAP politicians as a part of this alleged manipulation. The CBI alleges that these kickbacks were hidden in various forms, from bank transfers to invoices.

The agency emphasizes a collaborative effort between liquor manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, framing it as a conspiracy that resulted in significant losses for the government and undue gains for the individuals involved.

Further complicating matters, statements from those engaged in AAP’s election campaigns have suggested that cash payments were made for various roles during the elections. These campaign activities were reportedly coordinated by key figures, including Vijay Nair, who has already been arrested.

Back in the midst of this, Kejriwal was arrested on June 26 while already in custody relating to a case brought by the Enforcement Directorate. While he was granted bail previously, this has been contested at higher courts, indicating the complicated legal battle that lies ahead.

The controversial excise policy was scrapped in 2022 following a directive from the Delhi Lieutenant Governor for a CBI inquiry, shedding further light on the tangled web of alleged corruption in this issue.