ED Reveals Arvind Kejriwal’s Statement on Delhi Excise Policy Case: Implicates Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj
In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) disclosed to the Rouse Avenue Court that Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and the prominent face of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), provided key insights during interrogation regarding the Delhi excise policy case. According to ED’s revelation, Kejriwal indicated that Vijay Nair, a central figure in the case, reported to Atishi, a Delhi minister, rather than directly to him. Additionally, Kejriwal implicated Saurabh Bharadwaj’s involvement while discussing the excise policy matter.
The central agency highlighted Kejriwal’s statements, indicating that Nair’s reporting structure included Atishi Marlena and Saurabh Bharadwaj, with limited interaction between Kejriwal and Nair. This disclosure sheds new light on the intricacies of the case and raises questions about the extent of political involvement in the alleged corruption surrounding the Delhi excise policy.
ED’s revelations underscored Kejriwal’s purported evasiveness during questioning, particularly regarding Nair’s activities at the Chief Minister’s camp office and Kejriwal’s awareness of the office’s personnel. This non-cooperative behavior prompted the ED to seek Kejriwal’s judicial custody, citing hindrances to the investigation process.
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, emphasized Kejriwal’s alleged attempts to mislead the investigation, citing his refusal to provide passwords for digital devices and reluctance to surrender his phone. Raju underscored the necessity of Kejriwal’s cooperation in facilitating a thorough and transparent inquiry into the matter.
In response to the ED’s application, the Rouse Avenue court extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody until April 15 in connection with the Delhi liquor scam case, signaling the gravity of the allegations and the need for further investigation.
Meanwhile, Kejriwal’s legal team moved an application in the Delhi High Court seeking permission for him to carry three books—Bhagavad Geeta, Ramayan, and How Prime Ministers Decide by journalist Neerja Chaudhary—into jail, highlighting his commitment to intellectual engagement even in confinement.
The Delhi High Court’s directive to the ED to submit a status report regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking restrictions on Kejriwal’s ability to issue directives while in custody reflects the judiciary’s proactive approach in ensuring transparency and accountability in the investigation process.
The ongoing probe into the Delhi liquor scam by both the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the imperative of uncovering the truth behind the alleged corruption in the formulation of the liquor policy by the AAP government in Delhi.
Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21 in connection with a money laundering case related to the Delhi liquor scam has stirred public discourse and political upheaval, underscoring the significance of the case in shaping the political landscape of Delhi and beyond.