ED Arrests Man Allegedly Involved in Managing AAP Funds for Goa Polls in Delhi Liquor Policy Case

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 16th April. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Chanpreet Singh in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case, alleging his involvement in managing cash funds for the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) campaign during the 2022 Goa Assembly polls.

Singh, apprehended under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on April 12, appeared before a special court in Delhi on April 13, where he was remanded to ED custody until April 18. This marks the 17th arrest made by the ED in the ongoing investigation.

According to ED officials, Singh’s arrest is linked to allegations of managing cash payments for the AAP’s Goa election campaign, purportedly financed through kickbacks received from the ‘South Group’ in exchange for favorable positions in the Delhi liquor market under the now-defunct excise policy.

The ED contends that Singh, previously detained by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the same case, played a significant role in orchestrating cash disbursements for AAP’s electoral activities in Goa. Allegedly, these funds were routed through various channels, including an ‘Angadia’ firm implicated in illegal cash transactions.

Investigations suggest that Singh received substantial sums from the ‘Angadia’ employee between August 2021 and January 2022, with a total amount exceeding ₹17 crore. The ED also claims Singh received payments from AAP and other entities associated with the Delhi government, underscoring his purported ties to the political outfit.

Moreover, the ED alleges that Singh received funds from OML events management company, further indicating his alleged connection with the AAP’s campaign finances.

In a related development, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest in the money laundering case did not secure interim relief from the Supreme Court, which has sought a response from the ED by April 24.

The Delhi excise policy case centers on allegations of corruption and money laundering in formulating and implementing the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22. Triggered by recommendations from Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, the case has led to multiple arrests and continues to unfold with ongoing investigations.