Before an important court session today, the Enforcement Directorate tells the Delhi High Court: “Arvind Kejriwal is the mastermind.” Here are 10 main points
In the Delhi Excise Policy Case, the Delhi High Court is set to consider Arvind Kejriwal’s appeal against his detention by the ED. The hearing is scheduled before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.
The Enforcement Directorate informed the Delhi High Court on Tuesday that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was the “central figure” and the “main conspirator” in the “excise scam,” with ample evidence indicating his involvement in money laundering. The ED submitted a comprehensive response to Kejriwal’s petition challenging his arrest in connection with the money laundering case associated with the now-defunct Delhi excise policy.
The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the petition of the Aam Aadmi Party national convenor challenging his arrest on Wednesday, April 3. The plea is set for hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.
Latest Developments on Arvind Kejriwal’s Court Hearing at Delhi High Court:
1.In its response, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) informed the Delhi High Court that the AAP, identified as the primary recipient of the illegal gains, allegedly committed the offense through Arvind Kejriwal.
2.”The Chief Minister of NCT of Delhi, Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, is identified as the central figure and primary conspirator in the Delhi Excise Scam, allegedly working in coordination with Delhi Government Ministers, AAP leaders, and other individuals. Mr. Kejriwal’s direct involvement is noted in the formulation of the Excise Policy 2021-22,” stated the ED.
3.”In response, the investigative agency stated that the drafting of this policy, with potential benefits for the South Group, occurred in collaboration with Mr. Vijay Nair, Mr. Manish Sisodia, and representatives of the South Group,” remarked the probe agency.
4.The Enforcement Directorate further stated that the AAP allegedly engaged in money laundering through Arvind Kejriwal, with the offenses falling under Section 70 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002.
5.The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is identified as the primary recipient of the proceeds from the Delhi Liquor Scam. Mr. Arvind Kejriwal, not only the strategist behind AAP but also overseeing its key operations, was a founding member and participated in policy decisions, as evidenced by witness statements,” stated the federal probe agency.
6.On March 27, the high court declined to provide temporary relief to Arvind Kejriwal, asserting that the case raised significant matters requiring a thorough examination rather than a quick decision. The court requested the ED to submit its response regarding the challenge to Kejriwal’s arrest and subsequent remand into ED custody.
7.The investigative agency stated that the interim release of the Delhi Chief Minister cannot be granted in the ongoing proceedings, as both his arrest and remand were conducted in accordance with the procedural mandates outlined in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as well as the Constitution of India. The ED further mentioned that the reasons for his arrest were communicated to Arvind Kejriwal in writing.
8.In response to testimonies provided by MP Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy and co-accused-turned-approvers Raghav Magunta and Sarath Reddy, the ED claimed that the AAP leader requested kickbacks from the South Group in return for granting them benefits during the development and execution of the Excise Policy 2021-22.
9.Arvind Kejriwal, arrested on March 21, is seeking his release on the basis of the arrest’s alleged illegality.
10.The case revolves around suspected corruption and money laundering related to the development and implementation of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was subsequently cancelled.