Arvind Kejriwal to skip 4th summons in Delhi liquor policy case

PTC Web Desk: For the fourth consecutive time, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided to skip the Enforcement Directorate's summons in the Delhi liquor policy case.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was scheduled to appear before the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday to address queries regarding the money laundering investigation linked to the Delhi liquor policy case. Kejriwal has responded to the summons, citing his inability to appear before the agency.

Also Read | Monkey returns iPhone in Vrindavan after Frooti deal! Watch video

Also Read | FASTag KYC: Check out step-by-step guide

Also Read |  PM Modi in Kerala; attends wedding of Suresh Gopi's daughter

Also Read | Strongest currencies: Kuwaiti dinar leads, India at...

When asked about the fourth ED summons, Arvind Kejriwal had earlier told mediapersons that "he would comply with legal requirements". However, in response to the recent summons, Arvind Kejriwal said "he will not be appearing before the agency".

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has alleged that the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) motive is to arrest Kejriwal, preventing him from participating in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The AAP questioned the summoning of Arvind Kejriwal when the ED has stated that "he is not an accused". The party flayed the "practice of corrupt leaders joining the BJP, where their cases seem to be closed". They maintained that their leaders have not engaged in corruption and will not align with the BJP.

Arvind Kejriwal is set to embark on a three-day tour of Goa with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. This strategic move precedes the Lok Sabha elections, providing Kejriwal with an opportunity to connect with party workers and potentially address a public rally.

Having skipped questioning on January 3, Arvind Kejriwal had labeled the ED summons as "illegal" and "politically motivated." He insisted that the summons be withdrawn, asserting his commitment to transparency and honesty throughout his life.

This is not the first time Arvind Kejriwal has avoided ED summons, having declined to appear on November 2 and December 21. On those occasions, he opted to attend a 10-day Vipassana meditation camp.

The initial summons, issued in October last year, is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged money laundering related to the liquor policy, which the Delhi government withdrew in July 2023 amid corruption allegations.

— With inputs from agencies