ED Summons Vs Kejriwal: Standoff Deepens in Delhi Excise Policy Probe

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 4th March. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has responded to the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) eighth summons regarding the money laundering probe linked to irregularities in the Delhi excise policy case. Despite labeling the summons as “illegal,” Kejriwal expressed his willingness to cooperate with the probe agency, suggesting a date after March 12 for his appearance.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announced that Kejriwal would attend the hearing through video conferencing. However, the ED remains firm on physically questioning the Delhi Chief Minister, stating that there is no provision for interrogation through video conferencing.

This development follows the issuance of the eighth summons by the ED on February 27, setting March 4 as the scheduled date for Kejriwal’s appearance at the agency’s headquarters. The ongoing probe focuses on alleged irregularities in the formulation and execution of the Delhi excise policy (2021-22). The ED seeks Kejriwal’s statement regarding policy formulation and allegations of bribery.

Kejriwal has previously skipped seven summonses from the ED, dismissing them as “illegal and politically motivated.” The AAP, in a statement, urged the ED to refrain from issuing further summonses and await the court’s decision.

The excise policy, aimed at revamping the liquor business in the national capital, promised a modern shopping experience with discounts and offers. However, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena’s directive to investigate alleged irregularities led to the cancellation of the policy.

The AAP blames Mr. Saxena’s predecessor, Anil Baijal, for making last-minute alterations that negatively impacted the policy’s revenue projections.

Two prominent AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are already under judicial custody in connection with the case. Sisodia, the former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 last year, while Singh, a Rajya Sabha member, was arrested by the ED on October 5.