Delhi court seeks ED's response on Kejriwal's bail plea
A Delhi court on Thursday sought the response of the Enforcement Directorate to a bail plea filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court heard the matter at 2pm when the ED said that it would like to file replies to Kejriwal's plea. The court allowed the same and posted the case for further hearing on June 1.
Why does this story matter?
Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 for allegedly conspiring to create loopholes in the excise policy to benefit certain liquor sellers. It claimed that kickbacks funded the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) campaign in Goa. The Delhi CM has rejected the allegations against him calling them baseless and motivated. Notably, AAP leaders, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and MP Sanjay Singh (out on bail), have also been arrested in the case.
Kejriwal's interim bail ends June 1
Kejriwal is currently out on interim bail granted by the Supreme Court till June 1. On Wednesday, the SC Registry declined to list Kejriwal's plea for a seven-day extension of his interim bail. Instead, it advised him to approach the trial court for regular bail. Following this, Kejriwal filed two separate pleas in the trial court. One plea seeks regular bail in the excise policy case. A second plea seeks interim bail for seven days on medical grounds.
ED highlights 'suppressions' in Kejriwal's case
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, highlighted that there are several "suppressions" the central probe agency wishes to bring on record. He stated, "He is not in custody. He has been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court. He is today in Punjab campaigning." Raju also pointed out that Kejriwal's health did not prevent him from campaigning and questioned his conduct for moving the bail plea at the last minute.
ED's supplementary chargesheet against Kejriwal and AAP
To recall, the ED has filed a supplementary chargesheet in the money laundering case, naming both Kejriwal and the AAP as accused. The court has reserved its order on cognizance of this seventh supplementary chargesheet submitted by the probe agency. Earlier, the Delhi High Court dismissed Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest on April 10, noting that the ED had presented sufficient material and statements indicating that Kejriwal was given money for Goa elections.
ED alleges Kejriwal's direct involvement in excise scam
The ED alleges that Kejriwal is directly involved in the use of proceeds from a crime amounting to over ₹100 crore, labeling him as the "kingpin" of the Delhi excise scam. The central agency claims there was a conspiracy coordinated by Vijay Nair and others, along with South Group, to provide extraordinary profit margins to wholesalers. It is alleged that Nair acted on behalf of Kejriwal and Sisodia.
