Arvind Kejriwal summoned by ED in Delhi Liquor Policy case on November 2

In a massive setback for Aam Aadmi Party, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for detailed questioning in connection with the now scrapped Delhi Liquor policy linked money-laundering case on November 2 (Thursday).  AAP Supremo has been issued the summons under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and according to the offical sources. The agency will record his statement once he deposes before the investigating officer of the case in Delhi.

The ED has mentioned Kejriwal's name multiple times in its chargesheets filed in the case and said the accused were in touch with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader regarding the preparation and execution of the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj has issued his response over the matter and said, "ED has summoned Arvind Kejriwal asking him to appear before the agency on November 2. This clearly shows the intention of BJP that they want to finish Aam Aadmi Party".

Why is Kejriwal summoned?

Earlier in April this year, Kejriwal was summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as a witness to answer queries of the investigating team in connection with the case. Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP MP Sanjay Singh are also arrested in connection with the alleged liquor scam case.

The ED's money laundering case stems from the CBI FIR. According to the CBI and the ED, irregularities were committed while modifying the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 and undue favours were extended to license holders. It is alleged that Singh played a prominent role in the formulation and implementation of the policy, which benefited certain liquor manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, for monetary considerations.

In a related development, the Supreme Court rejected two separate bail pleas of former deputy chief minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia in corruption and money-laundering cases related to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam and said a transfer of Rs 338 crore was tentatively established in the matter.

(With PTI Inputs)