Why Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Arrested by Enforcement Directorate in Connection with Liquor Policy Conspiracy
New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal today in the liquor policy case. AAP leaders Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj had earlier said they suspected the ED would arrest him today. Mr. Kejriwal had skipped the central probe agency’s summons nine times.
The ED, in a press note, called Mr. Kejriwal a “conspirator” in the case. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha allegedly conspired with Mr. Kejriwal, and AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh while framing the now-scrapped liquor policy case, the ED has said.
The alleged conspiracy involved making a policy that would benefit a liquor lobby from southern India, which the ED had termed the “South Lobby”. In return, the “South Lobby” would give ₹ 100 crore to the AAP, according to the ED.
Mr. Kejriwal’s name had appeared in the statements of some accused and witnesses. The ED has mentioned this in its remand note and chargesheets.
Vijay Nair, one of the accused in the liquor policy case, frequently visited Mr. Kejriwal’s office and would spend most of his time there, the probe agency said. Mr. Nair allegedly told liquor traders that he discussed the policy with Mr. Kejriwal. It was Mr. Nair who got Indospirit owner Sameer Mahendru to meet Mr. Kejriwal, the investigators have said.
When the meeting was unsuccessful, he got Mr. Mahendru and Mr. Kejriwal to talk in a video call, in which Mr. Kejriwal said Mr. Nair was his “child” who he trusts.
Raghav Magunta, the first accused in the “South Lobby” and now a witness, had said his father, who is a YSR Congress Party MP, met Mr. Kejriwal to know more about the liquor policy.
Mr. Sisodia’s former secretary C Arvind, in a statement in December 2022, said that in March the previous year he got a draft group of ministers report from Mr. Sisodia. When he went to Mr. Kejriwal’s house after Mr. Sisodia called him, Mr. Arvind said he also saw Satyendar Jain there and the document. He alleged he was surprised because no such proposal was discussed in any group of ministers’ (GoM) meeting, but claimed he was asked to make a GoM report based on this document.
FAQ: Why Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Arrested by Enforcement Directorate in Connection with Liquor Policy Conspiracy
Q: What is the Delhi liquor policy case? A: The Delhi liquor policy case refers to allegations against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders regarding their involvement in a conspiracy related to framing a liquor policy that would benefit a liquor lobby from southern India.
Q: What are the allegations against Arvind Kejriwal? A: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that Arvind Kejriwal conspired with other AAP leaders and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha to frame a policy that would favor a liquor lobby in southern India. In return, the AAP was purportedly promised ₹ 100 crore by the said lobby.
Q: Why was Arvind Kejriwal arrested? A: Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case due to allegations of his involvement in the conspiracy to frame a policy favorable to a liquor lobby in exchange for financial benefits to the AAP.
Q: What evidence does the ED have against Arvind Kejriwal? A: The ED claims that Mr. Kejriwal’s name appeared in the statements of some accused and witnesses. Additionally, it is alleged that Vijay Nair, an accused in the case, frequently visited Mr. Kejriwal’s office and discussed the policy with him. There are also claims that Mr. Kejriwal had interactions with individuals involved in the case, including Indospirit owner Sameer Mahendru.
Q: What is the response from Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP regarding these allegations? A: Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP have denied the allegations, stating that they are politically motivated and aimed at tarnishing their reputation. They have accused the central government of using investigative agencies for political vendetta.
Q: What are the potential consequences of these allegations and arrest on Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP? A: The allegations and arrest could have significant political ramifications for Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP. It may impact their credibility among voters and affect their electoral prospects in the future. Additionally, it could lead to legal challenges and prolonged court battles, depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Table: Key Players and Allegations
| Key Players | Allegations |
|---|---|
| Arvind Kejriwal (AAP) | Conspired with K Kavitha and other AAP leaders to frame a policy favorable to a southern liquor lobby for financial gain |
| Manish Sisodia (AAP) | Alleged involvement in the drafting of the policy and its implementation |
| Sanjay Singh (AAP) | Alleged involvement in the conspiracy to benefit from the policy |
| K Kavitha (BRS) | Alleged co-conspirator with Kejriwal and AAP leaders in framing the liquor policy |
| Vijay Nair (Accused) | Alleged frequent visits to Kejriwal’s office and discussions regarding the policy |
| Raghav Magunta (Witness) | Alleged interactions between his father, a YSR Congress Party MP, and Kejriwal regarding the policy |
This table provides a summary of the key players involved in the allegations and their respective roles in the Delhi liquor policy case.
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