Raids at AAP leader Raaj Kumar Anand’s residence ahead of Kejriwal’s ED summons

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today (November 02). Meanwhile, the probe agency has also conducted searches at Delhi cabinet minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raaj Kumar Anand’s residence in a money laundering case. The raids are underway in 12 premises at different locations across the national capital linked to this case.

ED raids at AAP leader Raaj Kumar Anand’s residence in money laundering case

Reportedly, these searches were initiated based on the prosecution complaint filed by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) alleging false declarations on imports for customs evasion of more than Rs 7 crore and international hawala transactions.

#WATCH | ED raid underway at the residence of Delhi Minister Raaj Kumar Anand in Civil Lines area. Searches started early morning today. Raids are underway at 9 premises linked to him. Details awaited pic.twitter.com/2Q0ZuFIjGo

— ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2023

The court has taken cognisance of the complaint.

The 57-year-old AAP leader, Anand is an MLA from Patel Nagar and the Minister for Social Welfare and SC/ST Welfare, among others, in the Delhi government.

ED summons Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal today

Notably, these raids at Anand's home come only hours before AAP chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to appear before the ED in the liquor policy scam. Amid this controversial case, former Deputy Minister Manish Sisodia is already behind bars in the same case. Another AAP leader and former Delhi minister Sanjay Singh is also in jail in the liquor policy case.

Arvind Kejriwal has also responded to the ED summons calling it "illegal" and "politically motivated". "The notice was sent at the behest of the BJP. It was sent so that I could not campaign in four states," the Delhi Chief Minister's notice to the probe agency said.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal responds to ED, "The summon notice is illegal and politically motivated. The notice was sent at the behest of the BJP. Notice was sent to ensure that I am unable to go for election campaigning in four states. ED should withdraw the notice immediately."… https://t.co/QlLIu4AUx1 pic.twitter.com/XCnUMLlgHe

— ANI (@ANI) November 2, 2023

Meanwhile, the chief minister is scheduled for an electoral campaign in Madhya Pradesh’s Singhrauli district today, and it is to be seen if he will move ahead with the same or appear before the probe agency.