"Scam kingpin", "sought kickbacks": ED’s 5 big charges against Arvind Kejriwal

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Mar 22, 2024: The Enforcement Directorate, while seeking 10-day custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, told the court that the AAP supremo was the key conspirator and the "kingpin of the liquor policy scam". The ED also said that Kejriwal, who was arrested on Thursday night amid high drama, was directly involved in framing the now-withdrawn liquor policy.

 

The ED told the court that Arvind Kejriwal, who became the first sitting CM to be arrested, was directly involved in the formulation of the policy. "The policy (excise) was made in such a manner that it enabled the taking of bribes," the ED’s counsel told the court.

ARVIND KEJRIWAL ARREST: ED’S 5 BIG CHARGES

* Appearing for the ED, Additional Solicitor General ASV Raju said Arvind Kejriwal was the key conspirator and the kingpin of the Delhi excise policy scam. The ED also said Kejriwal was in touch with Manish Sisodia, then deputy Chief Minister, the whole time.

* The ED said that Kejriwal was directly involved in the formulation of the policy, and he was involved in the handling of the proceeds of crime. The proceeds of the crime were used for campaigning in Goa elections, the ED said. "We have traced the proceeds of the crime and taken statements of many persons involved in the Goa election campaign," the ED said.

* The probe agency said Arvind Kejriwal demanded kickbacks from the ’South Group’ in exchange for favours. The ED’s counsel said in exchange for kickbacks, the ’South Group’ got control of liquor businesses in Delhi.

* The ED said Vijay Nair, AAP’s former communication head, acted as the middle man between South Group and the AAP. Vijay Nair was staying in a house near Kejriwal’s residence.

* The ASG further said that the proceeds of crime were over Rs 600 crore. "Proceeds of crime is not only the Rs 100 crore bribe received, but also the profits made by the bribe payers, amounting to Rs 600 crore," ASV Raju said.

Courtesy: India Today