In a significant development concerning the Delhi excise policy scam, a Delhi court has reserved its order on Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea seeking bail in a money laundering case investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The case revolves around alleged irregularities linked to the now-scrapped excise policy. During the court proceedings, additional solicitor general (ASG) SV Raju opposed Kejriwal’s bail application. Raju argued that the ED possesses concrete documentary evidence indicating the use of illicit funds for various purposes, including hotel stays during political campaigns.
Specifically, Raju mentioned that the ED has evidence showing that part of the proceeds of crime was used for Kejriwal’s hotel stay in Goa during the Goa assembly elections. The agency reportedly has documentary evidence, such as telephone calls and call data records (CDRs), linking co-accused Chanpreet Singh to the alleged management of funds for the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) campaign in Goa.
Raju stated that Singh received a significant amount in cash from different sources and made payments, including for Kejriwal’s accommodation, during the Goa polls. The law officer also highlighted the direct association between token numbers recovered from certain individuals and Kejriwal.
Furthermore, Raju argued that Kejriwal had close relations with co-accused Vinod Chauhan, who allegedly facilitated the transfer of cash bribes to AAP during the Goa polls campaign. Raju emphasized that as the head of AAP, Kejriwal bears vicarious responsibility for any money laundering offenses committed through the party.
Addressing concerns about the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest, Raju clarified that the ED took action following the Delhi High Court’s decision to deny relief of no coercive action against Kejriwal. Despite the CM not complying with nine summons, the ED refrained from immediate arrest until the court’s ruling.
The court’s decision to reserve its order reflects the complexity and gravity of the legal proceedings in this case. The outcome will be closely monitored as it could have significant implications for Kejriwal and the ongoing investigations into the alleged excise policy scam.
Sources By Agencies