In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a charge sheet against the Aam Aadmi Party and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged money laundering case connected to an alleged excise scam. Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, accompanied by Special Public Prosecutors, made their way to the Delhi Rouse Avenue Court to file a supplementary chargesheet, marking the eighth such filing in the Delhi excise policy case. This chargesheet, the first against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, mentioned him and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as accused in the alleged irregularities surrounding the Delhi excise policy.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has refrained from delivering its verdict on a plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The plea challenges his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and subsequent remand in connection with the Delhi excise policy case.
The charge sheet has been submitted before a special court, seeking to charge the accused under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), according to sources familiar with the matter.
Accusations against Kejriwal
Kejriwal, who was arrested by the ED on March 21, is alleged to have played a pivotal role in the purported excise policy scam. The ED has previously referred to him as the "kingpin and key conspirator" of the scam.
Involvement of AAP
The inclusion of AAP as an accused underscores the federal agency's assertions regarding the party's alleged complicity in the illicit activities surrounding the excise policy.
Eighth chargesheet in the case
This chargesheet marked the eighth filing by the ED in the ongoing investigation. The agency has arrested a total of 18 individuals in connection with the case thus far.
Previous filings against political figures
Recently, the agency lodged a similar complaint against BRS leader and former Telangana chief minister Chandrashekar Rao's daughter, K Kavitha and four others.
Direct evidence and vicarious responsibility
The ED claimed to possess direct evidence implicating Kejriwal, alleging his involvement in staying at a luxury hotel, partly funded by an accused in the case. Additionally, the agency accuses him of playing a significant role in formulating the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy.
Background of the excise policy case
The case stemmed from alleged irregularities in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021–22, prompting a recommendation by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena for a CBI probe.
ED's investigation
The ED initiated its money laundering investigation into the matter on August 22, 2022, following the registration of a CBI FIR lodged on August 17, 2022.
As legal proceedings intensify and accusations against Arvind Kejriwal and AAP continue to mount, the case underscores the intersection of law, politics, and governance in the Indian capital.
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