In a significant update to the Delhi excise policy case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a fresh chargesheet naming Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as accused number 37 out of 38. The chargesheet, which stems from money laundering allegations, labels Kejriwal as the key conspirator.
The document alleges Kejriwal’s involvement in using bribe money for the Goa elections, supported by details from WhatsApp chats between him and co-accused Vinod Chauhan. It is claimed that K Kavitha’s PA sent over Rs 25 crore to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) through Chauhan during the elections, indicating close ties between Kejriwal and Chauhan.
High Court Lists ED’s Plea Against Kejriwal’s Bail for July 15
The Delhi High Court scheduled a hearing for July 15 regarding the ED’s plea challenging the bail granted to Kejriwal in the money laundering case linked to the alleged excise scam. Previously, the high court had stayed the trial court’s June 20 order granting Kejriwal bail.
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna was informed by the ED’s counsel that they received Kejriwal’s reply to their petition late night on Tuesday. He required time to file a rejoinder. While the ED’s lawyer stated the reply was received at 11 pm, Kejriwal’s counsel contended it was served to the investigating officer (IO) at 1 pm.
Senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, urged for an immediate hearing, citing urgency. However, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, requested time to review the response and file a rejoinder.
The court, acknowledging the ED’s need for time, listed the matter for hearing on July 15. On June 20, Kejriwal was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh, but the ED’s subsequent appeal led to an interim stay on the bail order. The ED argued that the trial court’s decision was flawed and based on irrelevant facts.
Background of the Case
The excise policy was scrapped in 2022 following a CBI probe into alleged irregularities and corruption in its formulation and execution. The CBI and ED have alleged that irregularities were committed during the policy’s modification, extending undue favours to licence holders. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED and CBI in March and June respectively in connection with money laundering and corruption cases related to the excise policy.
