Enforcement Directorate Informs Supreme Court of AAP’s Involvement in Liquor Policy Case

In Short

• Chargesheet being filed naming AAP an accused, ED tells court
• ED alleges liquor scam money used for AAP’s functions
• Supreme hearing Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging arrest

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has notified the Supreme Court that Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) will be formally accused in the ongoing liquor policy case. This significant development was disclosed on Friday.

AAP Named in Liquor Policy Case

Earlier today, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju informed the Supreme Court during a hearing that a prosecution complaint was being filed, implicating the AAP as an accused party in the liquor policy case.

This statement was made during a hearing on a petition filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is challenging his arrest in connection with the case.

Background of the Case

The liquor policy case involves allegations of corruption and money laundering associated with the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, a policy that was later scrapped.

Investigations conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED suggest that irregularities occurred during the modification of the excise policy, resulting in undue favours being extended to license holders.

Allegations and Financial Irregularities

The ED alleges that “kickbacks” amounting to Rs 45 crore, part of a Rs 100 crore “bribe” from the ‘South Group’, were used by AAP to finance its campaign for the Goa assembly elections in 2022.

The agency has labeled Arvind Kejriwal as the “kingpin” of the alleged scam. It is claimed that the AAP government increased the profit margin for wholesalers to 12 percent in exchange for a 6 percent kickback, which purportedly caused a financial loss of Rs 2,873 crore to the Delhi government.

Key Figures and Legal Actions

According to the charges, Vijay Nair, the head of AAP’s media division, allegedly received Rs 100 crore in advance from the ‘South Group’ on behalf of the party.

So far, the ED has filed seven chargesheets related to this case. Eighteen individuals have been arrested, including prominent figures such as Arvind Kejriwal, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

Recent Developments

Arvind Kejriwal was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on May 10. The legal proceedings continue as the ED pursues further investigations and prosecution actions against those involved in the alleged corruption and financial misconduct related to the Delhi liquor policy.

This case represents a significant political and legal challenge for the AAP, highlighting concerns over governance and financial integrity within the Delhi administration.