An unexpected visit by an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s official residence on Flagstaff Road has stirred up a political storm. The ED’s aim is to serve him a summons related to a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy. This move comes after the Delhi High Court denied relief to Kejriwal, increasing tensions in the national capital. The uncertainty surrounding the situation is further compounded by the absence of official confirmation on the agency’s next steps.
What is the Delhi Excise Policy Case?
In November 2021, under Arvind Kejriwal’s leadership, the Delhi government introduced a new excise policy aimed at modernizing alcohol sales in the city. While some praised its progressive approach, others expressed concerns about its potential financial and public health implications. Less than a year later, in July 2022, Delhi’s Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar reported policy violations to Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Vinai Kumar Saxena, who recommended a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The submitted report alleged “financial losses to the exchequer” totalling more than Rs 580 crore.
From Liquor Policy to Legal Battles
In 2021, the AAP government introduced a liquor policy aimed at significant excise sector reforms but faced allegations of corruption, leading to its eventual rollback. The call by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe resulted in the arrest of Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, whose legal troubles intensified with subsequent ED arrests in a money laundering case.
Kejriwal’s Summons and Political Backlash
The ED’s summons to Kejriwal marked a new phase in the ongoing legal saga, prompting intensified calls for his arrest from the opposition, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Kejriwal’s refusal to comply with the summons added to political tensions.
Manish Sisodia’s Arrest and Ongoing Probe
The arrest of former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia by the CBI and ED marked a significant development in the case, with investigations focusing on allegations of kickbacks and irregularities in the policy’s formulation and implementation.
Political Fallout and Kejriwal’s Response
AAP leaders have accused the BJP of conspiring to tarnish Kejriwal’s image. Despite mounting pressure, Kejriwal continues to denounce the ED’s actions as politically motivated, maintaining his stance amidst legal battles and his own arrest.
16 arrests so far
- Arvind Kejriwal: Delhi Chief Minister
- Manish Sisodia: Former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi
- Sanjay Singh: AAP Member of Parliament
- Vijay Nair: Head of AAP Communication Wing
- K. Kavitha: BRS Leader
- Raghav Magunta: Member of South Group turned witness
- Gautam Malhotra: Son of former MLA from Akali Dal
- Sameer Mahendru: Owner of Indospirit
- Amit Arora: Owner of Vaddi Retail
- P. Sharad Reddy: Promoter of Arvindo Group turned witness
- Abhishek Bonpalli: Member of South Group
- Buchibabu Gorantla: Former MLA of Kavita
- Binoy Babu: Regional Head of Record India
- Rajesh Joshi: Director of Chauriyet Productions
- Dinesh Arora: Owner of a restaurant chain turned witness
