Delhi Excise Policy Scam: ED Alleges Arvind Kejriwal’s Involvement in Kickbacks

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a chargesheet against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of using part of the alleged Rs 100 crore generated from kickbacks in the Delhi excise policy “scam” to fund his personal expenses and AAP’s election campaign. The ED claims that Kejriwal, the kingpin of the scam, directly used the proceeds of crime to pay for his stay at a luxury hotel in Goa and an event at the Grand Hyatt.

According to the 209-page chargesheet, Kejriwal colluded with ministers, AAP leaders, and other individuals to generate and launder illegal funds. The ED alleges that the AAP kept the expenses of Rs 45 crore out of the books and did not disclose them to the Election Commission of India. Kejriwal is accused of having control over the proceeds of crime at each stage, including generation, acquisition, possession, transfer, use, and concealment.

The ED claims that Kejriwal gave evasive replies and concealed information during his custodial interrogation, refusing to open digital devices seized from him. He told interrogators that his lawyers advised him not to share the password, citing that he is not required to do so. The agency also accused Kejriwal of being responsible for the funds used in election expenses, including in the Goa assembly elections.

The ED further alleges that Kejriwal’s close associate, Vijay Nair, acted as a middleman for getting bribes or kickbacks from stakeholders in the Delhi liquor business in exchange for favourable outcomes in the policy. Kejriwal demanded kickbacks from the South Group in exchange for awarding favours to them in the formulation and implementation of the policy.

The chargesheet also accuses Kejriwal of submitting false information and evasive replies during his custodial interrogation. The ED claims that Kejriwal gave misleading replies, contradicting statements given by his own party leaders and contrary to facts and records available.

The AAP has refuted the allegations, claiming that the BJP-led government at the Centre is hatching a “big conspiracy” against the party. The party said that the ED’s chargesheet is an attempt to finish off the AAP.

The ED has seized digital devices used by Kejriwal, but he refused to open them, citing his lawyers’ advice. The agency has also accused another accused, Vinod Chauhan, of managing postings for officers in Delhi Jal Board (DJB) through Kejriwal.

The ED has alleged that the GoM constituted by the Delhi government was a sham, as excise officials were never consulted on major policy decisions. The agency claims that the excise policy was brought in by AAP leaders as an outcome of a conspiracy to generate and channel illegal funds to themselves and private individuals.

The chargesheet also accuses BRS leader K Kavitha of conspiring with AAP leaders and the South Group to pay kickbacks to the tune of Rs 100 crore and receive undue benefits.

The Delhi excise case pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped. The ED registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after taking cognisance of a CBI FIR lodged on August 17, 2022.

Key Points:

• ED alleges Kejriwal used part of alleged Rs 100 crore kickbacks for personal expenses and AAP’s election campaign
• Kejriwal accused of colluding with ministers, AAP leaders, and others to generate and launder illegal funds
• ED claims Kejriwal gave evasive replies and concealed information during custodial interrogation
• AAP refutes allegations, claiming BJP-led government is hatching a conspiracy
• ED accuses Kejriwal of submitting false information and evasive replies
• Chargesheet accuses Kejriwal of being responsible for funds used in election expenses
• ED alleges Kejriwal’s close associate, Vijay Nair, acted as a middleman for getting bribes or kickbacks
• AAP’s GoM accused of being a sham, with excise officials never consulted on major policy decisions

Historical Context:

The Delhi Excise Policy Scam is a corruption case that has been ongoing since 2021, when the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22 was introduced. The policy was later scrapped due to allegations of corruption and money laundering. The case was initially investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which filed a First Information Report (FIR) on August 17, 2022. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) took cognizance of the FIR and registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED has been investigating the case since then and has now filed a chargesheet against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• The ED has filed a chargesheet against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of using part of the alleged Rs 100 crore kickbacks for personal expenses and AAP’s election campaign.
• Kejriwal is accused of colluding with ministers, AAP leaders, and others to generate and launder illegal funds.
• The ED claims that Kejriwal gave evasive replies and concealed information during his custodial interrogation, refusing to open digital devices seized from him.
• The AAP has refuted the allegations, claiming that the BJP-led government is hatching a conspiracy against the party.
• The ED accuses Kejriwal of submitting false information and evasive replies during his custodial interrogation.
• The chargesheet accuses Kejriwal of being responsible for the funds used in election expenses, including in the Goa assembly elections.
• The ED alleges that Kejriwal’s close associate, Vijay Nair, acted as a middleman for getting bribes or kickbacks from stakeholders in the Delhi liquor business.
• The AAP’s GoM is accused of being a sham, with excise officials never consulted on major policy decisions.
• The ED has seized digital devices used by Kejriwal, but he refused to open them, citing his lawyers’ advice.
• The agency has also accused another accused, Vinod Chauhan, of managing postings for officers in Delhi Jal Board (DJB) through Kejriwal.
• The ED has alleged that the GoM constituted by the Delhi government was a sham, as excise officials were never consulted on major policy decisions.
• The chargesheet also accuses BRS leader K Kavitha of conspiring with AAP leaders and the South Group to pay kickbacks to the tune of Rs 100 crore and receive undue benefits.