Delhi Excise Policy case: AAP uses liquor profits for Goa, Punjab polls

PTC News Desk: Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigators have revealed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) utilised profits from the Delhi liquor policy for electoral campaigns in Goa and Punjab, amounting to Rs 45 crore for the Goa campaign in 2021 alone. The ED presented this information before the court, highlighting a significant money trail.

In a recent development, the ED disclosed that it had unearthed a money trail indicating that the Aam Aadmi Party received kickbacks totaling Rs 100 crore in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. During court proceedings, the probe agency asserted that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal played a central role as the 'kingpin' in this corruption scandal.

According to the ED's investigation, the Delhi liquor policy for the year 2021-22 facilitated exorbitant profit margins, offering wholesalers a margin of 12 per cent and retailers an astonishing 185 per cent margin. Central to the scrutiny of the Delhi liquor policy case was the alleged involvement of a network comprising middlemen, businessmen, and politicians, collectively referred to by central agencies as the "South Group".

This revelation sheds light on the intricate nexus between political entities and business interests, suggesting a misuse of government policies for personal gain and electoral advantage. As the investigation progresses, it raises questions about the transparency and integrity of policymaking processes and electoral funding mechanisms.

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Here are the claims made by the probe agency in court today:

1. Arvind Kejriwal identified as the 'Kingpin' and primary conspirator in the case. Additional Solicitor-General SV Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate, emphasised Kejriwal's direct involvement in policy implementation and favoritism towards the 'South group'.

2. Allegation of Arvind Kejriwal's demand for Rs 100 crore from certain individuals within the 'South group' for the Punjab elections, as stated by the ED in court while seeking custody.

3. Accusation against Delhi Chief Minister acting as a 'middleman' between the 'South Group' and implicated parties in the liquor case, according to the agency's claims.

4. Assertion by the probe agency that the proceeds of crime include not only the Rs 100 crore bribe but also the profits generated by the bribe payers, totaling over Rs 600 crore, as informed to the court.

5. Disclosure by Mr. Raju that Rs 45 crores from the 'South group' were utilised by the Aam Aadmi Party for the Goa campaign in 2021-22.

6. Indication by the agency of multiple routes through which the money flowed to Goa, suggesting potential involvement of hawala channels.

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(Inputs from agencies)