AAP Counters CBI Charge Sheet, Claims No Evidence in Excise Case

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stated on Monday that central investigative agencies have not found any evidence in the excise policy case, asserting the party's integrity. This statement followed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filing its final charge sheet against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and five others, including AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak.

Investigations and Charges

The BJP and its agencies have been probing this case for two years. They have filed over 50,000 pages of charge sheets and questioned more than 500 witnesses while conducting raids at various locations. Despite these efforts, no evidence has been found against AAP or Kejriwal, according to the party.

Kejriwal has received bail three times from the trial court and the Supreme Court in relation to the excise policy case. The AAP claims that the BJP and its agencies are continuously filing new charges to keep Kejriwal in jail. The party views this as part of a larger effort by the BJP to implicate as many AAP leaders as possible.

Health Concerns and Allegations

The AAP also accused the BJP of disregarding the mandate of Delhi's people by keeping Kejriwal incarcerated in what they call a "fake case." They further alleged that Kejriwal's blood sugar levels are dangerously low, frequently dipping below 50. The chief minister was arrested by the CBI on June 26 from Tihar Jail while he was already in judicial custody for a related money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Legal Proceedings

Kejriwal was initially arrested by the ED on March 21 and granted bail by the trial court on June 20 in the money laundering case. However, this order was stayed by the high court. On July 12, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail in the same case. The courts are still deliberating on his petition challenging his arrest by the CBI.

Excise Policy Scrapped

In 2022, the excise policy was scrapped after Delhi's lieutenant governor ordered a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and corruption related to its formulation and execution. According to both the CBI and ED, there were irregularities in modifying the excise policy and undue favours were extended to licence holders.

The AAP maintains that despite extensive investigations, no evidence has been found against them or Kejriwal, reinforcing their claim of being an honest party.