THE NEWS FREEDOM
NEW DELHI, MARCH 22
Alleging that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was the “key conspirator” in the liquor policy scam, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) sought 10-day custody of Kejriwal while arguing before the city’s Rouse Avenue Court on Friday. The ED asserted that Kejriwal was directly involved in the implementation of the policy, providing favors to the south group in exchange for kickbacks, a claim supported by statements. However, Kejriwal’s advocate denied the allegations, contending that there was no evidence to support his arrest as no increment was found by the probing agency.
“My life is dedicated to the service of the nation, whether I am within the confines of jail or outside,” Kejriwal told the media during his court appearance.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor-General SV Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate, asserted that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal played a pivotal role in the implementation of a controversial policy, allegedly favoring a specific group in exchange for kickbacks. Raju claimed that statements corroborated Kejriwal’s involvement in demanding kickbacks and highlighted his alleged connection to the use of illicit funds. The Enforcement Directorate further alleged that ₹45 crore from these kickbacks were utilized to finance the AAP’s electoral campaigns in Goa and Punjab in 2022, contributing to the party’s national standing.
“We have examined the money trail. The funds in Goa were routed through four channels. These claims are substantiated by one of AAP’s candidates who received cash payments,” Raju elaborated while arguing the case.
Characterizing Kejriwal as “the mastermind behind the party,” the probe agency attributed full responsibility for AAP’s operations to him. Raju also highlighted how Kejriwal not appeared before the ED disregarding nine summons issued by the probing agency.
Addressing the involvement of Mr. Nair, the Additional Solicitor General told the court that he resided in a property linked to Kailash Gahlot, Delhi’s Transport Minister, and acted as an intermediary between the southern group and AAP.
Kejriwal’s legal representative, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, challenged the necessity of his client’s arrest, arguing that the power to arrest does not inherently justify its execution. Singhvi contested the Enforcement Directorate’s assertion of tracing the money trail, asserting the absence of direct implication. He criticized the agency’s practice of detaining individuals, contesting bail, and later coercing them to cooperate as witnesses.
Singhvi underscored the need for the Enforcement Directorate to establish Kejriwal’s direct involvement, questioning the basis for his arrest and custody.