ED Claims Arvind Kejriwal Involved in Rs 100 Crore Kickback Scandal in Liquor Policy Case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has stated that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was directly implicated in an alleged Rs 100 crore kickback scandal related to the Delhi liquor policy. A recent chargesheet accessed by India Today TV reveals detailed accusations pointing towards Kejriwal’s involvement in his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), receiving illicit funds.

According to the ED’s findings, Kejriwal was said to have conspired with members of the ‘South Group‘ and individuals like Vijay Nair to secure kickbacks amounting to Rs 100 crore. These kickbacks were allegedly in exchange for undue benefits bestowed upon private entities through a customized liquor policy. Nair, acting on behalf of senior AAP leaders including Kejriwal, was allegedly a key figure in these transactions.

The chargesheet further alleges that a significant portion of the illicit Rs 100 crore sum, approximately Rs 45 crore, was diverted by the AAP for its electoral campaigns during the Goa elections, with purported collusion from Kejriwal himself.

Highlighting Kejriwal’s direct involvement in the acquisition and concealment of these alleged proceeds of crime, the ED asserted that the chief minister had utilized cash transfers and Hawala transactions for this purpose.

Arvind Kejriwal has vehemently opposed the ED’s efforts to secure his arrest in connection with the excise policy case. Kejriwal contends that he is a target of a politically motivated witch hunt orchestrated by the central agency, aimed at tarnishing the image of the opposition. His response in the ongoing legal battle suggests that he views the arrest as a tool employed to shame adversaries.

The Delhi High Court recently postponed a hearing regarding the ED’s plea to revoke Kejriwal’s bail in the liquor policy case until July 15. The central agency’s plea questioned the trial court’s decision to grant bail to Kejriwal, citing concerns related to the money laundering aspects of the case.

Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED on charges linked to the excise policy scam occurred on March 21. The ED’s assertions revolve around allegations of kickbacks received from liquor vendors in exchange for favorable conditions under the Delhi excise policy. These funds were purportedly redirected towards financing the AAP’s election campaign in Goa, thereby entangling Kejriwal in potential money laundering activities.