Delhi CM Kejriwal Held in ED Custody for Excise Policy Scam Probe

New Delhi, Mar 22 - In a significant development, the Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has been placed under Enforcement Directorate's (ED) custody until March 28. This decision comes after the court deemed it necessary for a thorough interrogation of Kejriwal concerning his alleged involvement in the Delhi excise policy scam. The court's directive aims to delve deeper into the scam's intricacies, focusing on unearthing any remaining illicit gains and scrutinizing evidence gathered from digital devices and materials seized during the investigation.

The ED's request for Kejriwal's custodial interrogation stems from accusations of his comprehensive involvement in the conspiracy surrounding the Delhi liquor scam. This includes allegations of drafting and implementing policies that allegedly favored certain entities, leading to kickbacks and the misuse of crime proceeds for financing the Goa Assembly election campaign. The court has thus mandated a six-day custody period for Kejriwal to facilitate an exhaustive interrogation regarding these serious charges.

Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, presiding over Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cases, has ordered that Kejriwal be presented in court again on March 28 at 2 pm. The court has taken into consideration the prosecution's argument that points towards Kejriwal's direct involvement in the scam, highlighting AAP as a significant beneficiary of the proceeds from this illicit activity. According to the court, approximately Rs 45 crores were allocated from these proceeds to fund AAP's campaign in the Goa Assembly election during 2021-22.

The investigation has so far shed light on the complex money trail leading to Goa, which allegedly originated from four distinct routes. Testimonies from individuals involved in the election campaign have indicated that cash payments were made for services rendered as survey workers or managers. Furthermore, the court noted Kejriwal's purported role in formulating and implementing the Excise Policy 2021-22 to benefit specific individuals. His alleged actions include soliciting kickbacks from businessmen in return for favors, implicating him alongside co-accused Vijay Nair, Manish Sisodia, and members of what is referred to as the South group.

This case marks a critical juncture in the ongoing investigation into the Delhi liquor scam, with Kejriwal's custody being pivotal for uncovering further details about the alleged malpractices within the excise policy framework. The coming days are expected to reveal more about the extent of these allegations and their implications for those involved.