Amidst unfolding events regarding the Delhi excise policy, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Durgesh Pathak, an MLA from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), demanding his presence at their premises today. Concurrently, the agency is already in the process of interrogating Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s personal aide.
Following the scrutiny of Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh, the ED has extended its inquiry to include Pathak in the ongoing investigation. This step follows Kejriwal’s recent assertion that Vijay Nair, a key figure in the liquor scandal, reported not to him but to Saurabh Bhardwaj and Atishi, ministers of the Delhi government.
In response, Atishi remarked that the agency may apprehend additional leaders linked to the case. Subsequently, the ED issued summons to Pathak, compelling his attendance for questioning.
Pathak’s involvement surfaced in relation to allegations of misappropriating funds from the liquor scandal during the Goa Assembly elections. He served as the AAP’s overseer in Goa, and the party stands accused of channeling approximately Rs 100 crore, derived from the scandal, towards electioneering efforts.
The Delhi liquor scandal first came to light in August 2022, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiating proceedings. Fifteen individuals, including Manish Sisodia, were implicated, leading to Sisodia’s arrest in February 2023. In subsequent developments, AAP parliamentarian Sanjay Singh was apprehended by the ED in October, followed by Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21. Presently, Kejriwal is incarcerated in Tihar Jail.
