Enforcement Directorate in the Indian capital has dispatched a sixth citation to the Chief Executive of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, summoning his presence on February 19 in connection to the ‘money laundering’ imbroglio linked to the alcohol policy.
Kejriwal has not adhered to any of the previously issued summonses. The 55-year-old, also the principal convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been directed to testify before the federal agency on February 19.
Recently, a Delhi court mandated Kejriwal’s appearance on February 17, responding to a complaint from the ED for flouting their summons. The court noted that, prima facie, the AAP leader was “legally obligated” to comply. Prior summonses were dated February 2, January 18, January 3 this year, and December 21 and November 2 in 2023. The Delhi CM consistently denounces these notifications as “illegitimate.”
According to the ED’s complaint, Kejriwal was called for investigation multiple times to uncover the involvement of others, including himself, and to trace additional proceeds of the crime in the ongoing inquiry. The agency alleges that Kejriwal deliberately disregarded each summons, treating each instance as a distinct offense.
Kejriwal’s name features prominently in charge sheets filed by the ED. The agency asserts that the accused were in communication with him regarding the formulation of the now-repealed Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. ED has apprehended AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, as well as the party’s communication in-charge Vijay Nair and certain entrepreneurs in connection to this case.
In its charge sheet, the ED contends that the AAP utilized “proceeds of crime” amounting to approximately Rs 45 crore in its electoral campaign in Goa. The agency anticipates presenting a fresh supplementary charge sheet, potentially designating the AAP as a “beneficiary” of purported kickbacks originating from the excise policy.
