Liquor Scam: ED Investigates AAP Ministers
Following Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s involvement, two other prominent AAP ministers may soon face scrutiny. From the Enforcement Directorate (ED) regarding the liquor policy scandal. In a surprising twist, the ED informed the Rouse Avenue court on Monday that during interrogation, Kejriwal disclosed that the accused in the liquor policy scandal, Vijay Nair, had been reporting to his ministers, Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj.
Key AAP figures Satyendar Jain, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh are currently in custody. The investigation into the liquor policy case, conducted by both the CBI and the ED. Revolves around alleged corruption during the formulation of a liquor policy under the leadership of Kejriwal’s Delhi government.
On Monday, Kejriwal, remanded in judicial custody until April 15, was transferred to the high-security Tihar Jail. According to Kejriwal’s statements to the ED, Vijay Nair reported to Atishi Marlena and Saurabh Bharadwaj, not to him. Nair, a former AAP communications in-charge, is among the accused in the liquor policy case, with his purported involvement linked to his tenure during the period of the alleged scam. As a result of this revelation, both ministers could face questioning soon.
Liquor Scam: ED Investigates AAP Ministers
Appearing before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja as his ED custody expired, Kejriwal faced a plea for 15-day judicial custody from the ED, citing his “total uncooperativeness.” The ED also asserted its right to seek further custody within the legal framework, if necessary.
Ahead of the court appearance, Kejriwal criticized the Prime Minister’s actions, while Atishi, Bharadwaj, and Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita, were present. Sunita Kejriwal accused the BJP of attempting to imprison her husband during the Lok Sabha elections. However, the BJP countered, accusing AAP of feigning victimhood, emphasizing that Kejriwal’s detention was based on substantial evidence.
Kejriwal’s petition challenging his arrest and subsequent ED custody is scheduled for hearing before the Delhi High Court on Wednesday. Separately, the High Court instructed the ED to provide its opinion to the special judge regarding the Chief Minister’s authority to issue orders while in custody.
Highlighting alleged deception by Kejriwal, the ED informed the Rouse Avenue court of ongoing investigations into his involvement, the proceeds of the crime, and the identification of other suspects. The ED’s remand application highlighted Kejriwal’s evasive responses during questioning. And his refusal to disclose digital device passwords, hindering evidence collection.
Nair, a significant figure in the case, was apprehended by both the CBI and the ED and remains in custody. ED officials suspect Nair’s involvement in a larger conspiracy, indicating collusion with Kejriwal himself, according to their investigations.