ED Claims Kejriwal as Key Figure in Delhi Liquor Scam, Money Trail Tied to Punjab and Goa Elections

ED Claims Kejriwal as Key Figure in Delhi Liquor Scam, Money Trail Tied to Punjab and Goa Elections

Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, was brought before the Rouse Avenue court on Friday by the ED, which also claimed that Kejriwal was the main conspirator and mastermind behind the Delhi liquor policy fraud. ASG SV Raju informed the court that Kejriwal was personally involved in the creation of the policy as well as the use of the proceeds of the crime, and he was given a 10-day remand for the chief minister. The excise policy was designed in a way that made accepting bribes possible. Between the Aam Aadmi Party and the South Cartel, of whom K Kavitha—already imprisoned—was a prominent member, Vijay Nair served as a go-between.

What ED told the court against Kejriwal

1. Living close to Arvind Kejriwal’s residence, Vijay Nair collaborated closely with the chief minister, who held liquor barons accountable for providing favors under their policies in exchange for bribes.
2. According to what the ED told the court, Arvind Kejriwal requested ₹100 crore for the Punjab election from some of the accused from the South group.
3. The source added that during their meeting, Kejriwal himself suggested that Kavitha and him collaborate on the alcohol policy.
4. Not only was ₹100 crore the profit of the crime, but the profit that the bribe givers made was also part of the proceeds of crime.
5. According to the ED, all vendors made some cash payments.
6. Approximately ₹45 crores in criminal proceeds, obtained from the South group, were utilized by the Aam Aadmi Party during the Goa campaign in 2021–22.
7. ED claimed to have confirmation for all of its claims.
8. ED stated that a substantial sum of money was exchanged. The actions of Kejriwal’s associates are also his responsibility.
9. Goa MLAs claimed to have received money, according to the agency.

Kejriwal’s First Reaction After Arrest

Kejriwal passed his final night in the ED’s custody. Kejriwal filed an appeal against the arrest with the Supreme Court on Friday morning, but he ultimately went before the lower court. A growing number of people had gathered to watch the proceedings when he was brought before the court in the afternoon. Immediately upon his arrest, Kejriwal declared that his life would always be devoted to the nation, whether he was incarcerated or not.

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What Kejriwal said in court

Senior counsel Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, stated that the ED must demonstrate why the arrest is necessary. The requirement for the ED to investigate the purported money trail further may serve as a basis for a questionnaire rather than an arrest warrant. “You have the basic material; why should you want further custodial custody?” Said Singhvi.

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