The Enforcement Directorate (ED) apprehended Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal today in connection with the contentious liquor policy case. The arrest comes after Mr. Kejriwal evaded the central probe agency’s summons on nine occasions. This move follows earlier speculations by AAP leaders Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj who had expressed concerns about Mr. Kejriwal’s potential arrest by the ED.
The ED, in a press release, has labeled Mr. Kejriwal as a “conspirator” in the case, alleging collusion with Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, as well as AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, in formulating the now-defunct liquor policy.
According to the ED, the purported conspiracy aimed to formulate a policy favoring a southern liquor lobby, referred to as the “South Lobby,” in exchange for a staggering sum of ₹100 crore to the AAP coffers.
Mr. Kejriwal’s involvement surfaced through statements of accused individuals and witnesses, as per the ED’s remand note and chargesheets. Vijay Nair, a key figure in the case, allegedly frequented Mr. Kejriwal’s office, spending substantial time there and claiming to discuss policy matters with him.
Nair purportedly arranged a meeting between Mr. Kejriwal and Indospirit owner Sameer Mahendru, resorting to a video call when the initial encounter proved fruitless. During the call, Mr. Kejriwal reportedly referred to Nair as his “child” in whom he placed trust.
Raghav Magunta, initially an accused in the “South Lobby” affair and now a witness, claimed that his father, a YSR Congress Party MP, met with Mr. Kejriwal to delve into the intricacies of the liquor policy.
Furthermore, revelations from Mr. Sisodia’s former secretary, C Arvind, shed light on a clandestine exchange of documents, alleging the dissemination of a draft report by Mr. Sisodia which was purportedly unmentioned in any official meetings. Mr. Arvind claimed he was instructed to prepare a Group of Ministers (GoM) report based on this undisclosed document.
As the dust settles on this explosive development, questions loom large over the political landscape of Delhi. With the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, the charismatic leader of the AAP, the political fallout is inevitable. While AAP loyalists decry this move as politically motivated, alleging a smear campaign orchestrated by rival factions, others see it as a pivotal moment in the fight against corruption.
As the investigation unfolds, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Delhi, awaiting further revelations and potential ramifications. In the midst of these turbulent times, one thing remains certain – the pursuit of justice must prevail, irrespective of political affiliations.
