Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has responded to the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) eighth summons, issued in connection to the ongoing money laundering probe concerning irregularities in the Delhi excise policy case. Despite labeling the summons as “illegal,” Kejriwal has expressed his readiness to cooperate with the probe agency, proposing a date for his appearance after March 12.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced that Kejriwal will attend the hearing through video conferencing. However, the ED remains steadfast in its insistence on physically questioning the Delhi Chief Minister, asserting that there is no provision for interrogation through virtual means.
This development comes after the ED issued its eighth summons on February 27, scheduling March 4 as the date for Kejriwal to appear at the agency’s headquarters.
The ongoing probe centers around 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 ignored seven summonses issued by the ED, denouncing them as “illegal and politically motivated.” The AAP, in a statement, has urged the ED to refrain from issuing further summonses and await the court’s decision.
The excise policy, aimed at revamping Delhi’s liquor business, promised a more modern shopping experience with discounts and offers. However, the policy’s cancellation was prompted by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena’s order to investigate alleged irregularities. The AAP accuses Saxena’s predecessor, Anil Baijal, of making last-minute changes 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.
Sources By Agencies
