Delhi Liquor Policy Case: Arvind Kejriwal Receives Fourth Summons from Enforcement Directorate

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for the fourth time in a money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy scam. The ED has asked him to appear before the agency on January 18, 2021.

Background of the case

The case pertains to the alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22, which was approved by the Delhi cabinet in March 2021. The policy aimed to overhaul the liquor trade in the national capital by reducing the number of liquor vends, increasing the minimum age for buying alcohol, and introducing a bar code system for tracking liquor bottles.

The ED registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in October 2021, based on a CBI FIR that was filed in April 2021. The CBI had alleged that some liquor companies had influenced the excise policy through bribes and kickbacks to public servants and politicians. The ED claimed that the proceeds of crime were laundered through various shell companies and bank accounts.

Kejriwal’s non-compliance and allegations

Kejriwal has been summoned by the ED thrice so far, most recently on December 21, 2021. However, he has not complied with any of the summons, citing legal and procedural issues. He has also accused the ED of being biased and acting on political motives.

He has alleged that the ED is working at the behest of the BJP-led central government, which is trying to destabilize his government and malign his image ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Uttar Pradesh, where his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is contesting.

He has also claimed that the excise policy was transparent and beneficial for the people of Delhi, as it would curb illegal liquor trade, increase revenue collection, and reduce alcohol consumption. He has challenged the ED to prove any wrongdoing on his part or on the part of his government.

ED’s response and evidence

The ED has rejected Kejriwal’s allegations and said that he is evading the probe and trying to influence public opinion by making false statements. The agency has said that it has sufficient evidence to prove his involvement in the case and that he is required to join the investigation to clarify his role and sources of income.

The ED has also said that it has questioned several other accused and witnesses in the case, including some AAP leaders, former bureaucrats, liquor traders, and middlemen. The agency has claimed to have recovered incriminating documents, digital devices, cash, and property papers during its raids.

The ED has also said that it has attached assets worth over Rs 200 crore belonging to some of the accused under the PMLA. The agency has said that it is conducting a fair and professional investigation and that it will not be deterred by any pressure or intimidation.