In a major development in the Delhi excise policy case, Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, was arrested on Thursday, joining a list of prominent political figures entangled in the controversy. This case, probing into the intricacies of the capital’s liquor policy, has drawn the attention of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), both delving into allegations of procedural lapses and potential money laundering tied to the policy’s formulation.
The arrest list includes not only Kejriwal but also two key leaders from his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and K Kavitha, a notable figure from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and daughter of Telangana’s former Chief Minister, K Chandrashekar Rao.
The inquiry was initiated following a report by Delhi’s Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar in July 2022, indicating significant procedural flaws in the policy’s formation under Manish Sisodia, the then Deputy Chief Minister and Excise Minister. These lapses allegedly led to substantial financial losses exceeding Rs 580 crore to the exchequer. Further, the report implicated the AAP government in receiving kickbacks from the alcohol industry, purportedly influencing election outcomes in Punjab and Goa, ultimately leading to AAP’s governance in Punjab.
As the investigation unfolded, the CBI, based on the chief secretary’s report, arrested Sisodia, outlining the involvement of 14 other individuals. The ED, on its part, disclosed that the alleged criminal proceeds amounted to more than Rs 292 crore, emphasizing the need to uncover the operation’s methodology. According to the ED, the policy was manipulated to benefit certain private entities and AAP leaders through ‘cartel formations,’ thereby ensuring kickbacks.
Highlighted Arrests in the Delhi Excise Policy Case:
- Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s Chief Minister and AAP Convener, is alleged to have indirectly ensured extraordinary profit margins to wholesalers through Vijay Nair, acting on his behalf.
- Manish Sisodia, AAP Leader and former Deputy CM, faces accusations of policy manipulation to favor licensees, implicating him in illegal gains and money laundering.
- Sanjay Singh, AAP Rajya Sabha MP, is linked to Dinesh Arora, who alleged Singh’s involvement in arranging funds for AAP’s election campaign and facilitating introductions with key AAP leaders.
- Kavitha Kalvakuntla, BRS Leader from Telangana, was arrested for her alleged role within the ‘South Group,’ accused of paying kickbacks to government officials under the controversial policy.
This case not only underscores the intricate relationship between politics and policy-making but also highlights the broader implications for India’s democratic processes and governance standards. As legal proceedings continue, the political landscape watches closely, awaiting the outcome of one of the most significant scandals in recent times.
Leave a Reply