'Criminal conspiracy to privatize excise policy': CBI's allegation against Kejriwal
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of benefiting from illicit funds generated through a criminal conspiracy in the now-defunct excise policy. The agency alleged that this was part of a premeditated plan to privatize the policy for financial gain. The CBI's accusations are detailed in a recently filed supplementary charge sheet.
Kejriwal's associate accused of demanding illegal gratification
The CBI has also implicated Vijay Nair, a close associate of Kejriwal who was recently granted bail. Nair is accused of soliciting illegal gratification from business owners in return for favorable adjustments to the policy. The charge sheet argues that since Nair lacked the authority to engage with stakeholders independently, his actions must have been directed by Kejriwal.
CBI alleges misrepresentation of AAP's Goa election expenditure
The CBI has further alleged that the AAP misrepresented its expenditure during the Goa election campaign. The agency claims that the party's disclosure was misleading as it only included payments made through banks, omitting cash payments to vendors, assembly managers, booth in-charges, and volunteers. The illicit funds generated through this conspiracy were allegedly funneled into the AAP's election campaign in Goa.
Evidence implicates AAP leaders in election expenditure management
The CBI has also presented oral and documentary evidence implicating AAP leader Durgesh Pathak in managing election-related expenditures for the Goa assembly elections. Several AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, had been arrested in connection with this alleged scam, while Kejriwal has been in jail since March 11, 2024.
Kejriwal's ongoing legal battle and bail plea
Kejriwal's bail plea in the corruption case filed by the CBI is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court on Thursday. He has filed two separate petitions, challenging the denial of bail by the Delhi High Court and his arrest by the CBI on June 26 in the case. On August 14, the SC refused to grant him interim bail and sought a CBI response.
