Liquorgate: AAP's Raghav Chadha denies being named in ED chargesheet
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha reacted to reports that he has been named by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in its supplementary chargesheet in the Delhi Liquor Policy case. Chadha told ANI that news articles claiming he has been named as an accused are incorrect and part of "malicious propaganda." The party's senior leader Manish Sisodia is already in jail in the case.
Why does this story matter?
The development comes nearly a month after the CBI interrogated Kejriwal as a witness in the case after his name reportedly cropped up while interrogating some accused. He, however, wasn't named in the agency's FIR. The CBI is investigating the case's corruption aspect, while the ED is investigating the money laundering side. Both the central agencies have made several arrests in the case.
News is false and fabricated: Chadha
Addressing the media soon after the reports surfaced, Chadha said, "The news is false and fabricated. I am neither named as accused nor as suspect, or witness in any ED complaint. It's propaganda to harm my reputation and credibility."
Raghav Chadha is not named as accused
Chadha has reportedly been mentioned by the ED in its supplementary chargesheet, but he has not been named as an accused. The chargesheet also named Kejriwal and senior party leader Sanjay Singh. According to the ED, Chadha was present at a meeting held at Sisodia's residence, in which a plan to bring the now-scrapped liquor policy was discussed with some businessmen.
Raghav Chadha's statement following media reports
Suspected irregularities charges led to Manish Sisodia's arrest
On February 26, the CBI arrested Sisodia in connection with suspected irregularities in the creation and execution of the Delhi government's Excise Policy 2021-22. The strategy came under scrutiny after Lieutenant Governor of Delhi VK Saxena requested an investigation into it. Notably, the proposal was passed by Kejriwal's Delhi cabinet in the midst of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2021.
What is basis of ED investigation in the case
The ED, which is looking into the money laundering aspect of the case, has sought Sisodia's custody many times. According to the agency, the key recommendations that formed the foundation of the excise policy, such as a 12% profit margin for wholesalers, were not decided in the group of ministers (GoM) meetings. It claimed that the recommendations were "imported from external sources."
