New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has addressed the Enforcement Directorates (ED) eighth summons related to the money laundering investigation concerning irregularities in the Delhi excise policy case. Despite denouncing the summons as illegal, Kejriwal has expressed his readiness to cooperate with the probe agency, proposing a meeting after March 12.Mode of attendance disputeThe Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has confirmed that Kejriwal will participate in the hearing via video conferencing. However, the ED insists on physically interrogating the Delhi Chief Minister, citing the absence of provisions for virtual questioning.Latest development in the probeThe ED issued its eighth summons on February 27, setting March 4 as the designated date for Kejriwals appearance at the agencys headquarters. The investigation centers on alleged irregularities in the formulation and execution of the Delhi excise policy (2021-22). The ED seeks Kejriwals statement regarding policy decisions and bribery allegations.Kejriwals response to previous summonsPreviously, Kejriwal disregarded seven summonses issued by the ED, dismissing them as illegal and politically motivated. The AAP has urged the ED to refrain from issuing additional summonses and await the courts ruling.Background of the excise policy caseThe Delhi excise policy aimed to modernize the capitals liquor industry, offering enhanced shopping experiences with discounts and promotions. However, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxenas directive to investigate alleged irregularities led to the policys annulment. The AAP alleges that Anil Baijal, Saxenas predecessor, made last-minute alterations detrimental to revenue expectations.Legal ramifications for AAP leadersTwo prominent AAP figures, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are currently in judicial custody regarding the case. Sisodia, the former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, was apprehended by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 last year. Similarly, Singh, a Rajya Sabha member, was detained by the ED on October 5.
