Delhi Liquor Policy Scam: CM Arvind Kejriwal is 'Kingpin'; ED in court

The agency claimed that Kejriwal demanded kickbacks from the south group in exchange for favorable treatment, facilitating the implementation of the policy.

Author
Edited By: Mayank Kasyap
Follow us:

ANI

New Delhi: In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) labeled Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as the "kingpin" and "key conspirator" in the alleged liquor policy scam gripping the national capital. The agency presented its case before the Rouse Avenue Court, seeking a 10-day custody of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader.

Allegations against Kejriwal

According to the Enforcement Directorate, Mr. Kejriwal played a pivotal role in orchestrating the illicit liquor policy, acting as a mediator between the 'south group' and other accused individuals, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP officer Vijay Nair. The agency claimed that Kejriwal demanded kickbacks from the south group in exchange for favorable treatment, facilitating the implementation of the policy.

Legal proceedings

Mr. Kejriwal, who spent the night at the agency's office, is set to be represented by senior advocate Vikram Chaudhari. His legal team withdrew a Supreme Court plea challenging his arrest, following the court's rejection of a similar plea by another arrested leader. The court's response to the earlier petition led Kejriwal's team to believe that pursuing the plea would be futile.

Future course of action

Despite the ongoing legal battle, sources within Kejriwal's legal team maintain that there is no legal impediment preventing him from continuing as the Chief Minister of Delhi. The AAP has remained steadfast in its stance that Kejriwal will discharge his duties, even if it means operating from inside Tihar Jail. However, logistical challenges may arise as current guidelines limit his meetings to two per week.

Case background

Arvind Kejriwal's arrest follows the Delhi High Court's refusal to grant him protection from arrest. The ED accuses him of being a key figure in the liquor policy scam, which allegedly provided exorbitant profit margins for retailers and wholesalers, with a significant portion of the proceeds allegedly diverted for election campaign expenses.

Coordinated arrests

Kejriwal's arrest adds to the list of prominent AAP leaders implicated in the case, including Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. The lack of relief from the top court for these leaders underscores the challenges ahead for Kejriwal in his legal battle.