Delhi Excise Policy Scam: ED Summons Kejriwal For Questioning On Nov 2

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to appear for questioning before the Enforcement Directorate on November 2 in connection with the Delhi Liquor policy case. Previously, in April, the Aam Aadmi Party convenor was interrogated by the CBI.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court dismissed the bail pleas of former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia in connection with cases related to alleged irregularities in the now scrapped liquor policy case. Apex court said that the trial must be concluded within a period of 6 to 8 months; otherwise, Sisodia would have the right to reapply for bail within three months. Sisodia, initially arrested in February, is currently facing two cases: one by the CBI and the other by the ED, which is investigating potential money laundering.

The CBI alleges that the 2021-22 excise policy of the AAP-led Delhi government, which involved granting licenses to liquor traders, favored specific dealers who allegedly paid bribes for favorable treatment. The AAP and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal vehemently deny these allegations, and the policy was subsequently revoked.

The Supreme Court had earlier reserved its decision on Sisodia's bail petitions, with the verdict being delivered on October 17.

Earlier in the month, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at the home of AAP leader Sanjay Singh, followed by similar actions at the properties of his close associates. After a day-long interrogation by ED officials at his residence in Delhi, Singh was apprehended.