Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal finds himself entangled in the ongoing money laundering probe concerning irregularities in the Delhi excise policy case, as he responds to the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) eighth summons. Despite dismissing the summons as “illegal,” Kejriwal expresses his willingness to cooperate with the probe agency, proposing a date after March 12 for his appearance.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) asserts that Arvind Kejriwal will attend the hearing through video conferencing. However, the ED remains steadfast in its insistence on physically questioning the Delhi Chief Minister, citing the absence of provisions for interrogation via video conferencing.
The ED issued its eighth summons on February 27, setting March 4 as the scheduled date for Kejriwal to appear at the agency’s headquarters. The probe revolves around alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi excise policy (2021-22), with the ED seeking Kejriwal’s statement on matters such as policy formulation and allegations of bribery.
Arvind Kejriwal has previously skipped seven summonses issued by the ED, labeling them as “illegal and politically motivated.” The AAP, in a statement, urges the ED to refrain from sending further summonses and await the court’s decision on the matter.
The excise policy, aimed at revamping Delhi’s liquor business, promised a modern shopping experience with discounts and offers. However, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena’s directive to investigate alleged irregularities led to the policy’s cancellation. The AAP accuses Saxena’s predecessor, Anil Baijal, of making last-minute changes that negatively impacted the policy’s revenue expectations.
Prominent AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are already embroiled in the case, with Sisodia being arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 last year, and Singh, a Rajya Sabha member, apprehended by the ED on October 5.
Despite Arvind Kejriwal’s willingness to cooperate through video-conferencing, the ED’s insistence on his physical presence signals continued friction in the legal proceedings. As the case unfolds, the spotlight remains on the intersection of politics and law enforcement, underscoring the complexities of governance in India’s capital city.
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