Delhi excise policy case: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal skips sixth ED summon today

Delhi excise policy case: As per the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) sources, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal skipped sixth summon by Directorate of Enforcement (ED) for questioning in connection with an excise policy case linked to money laundering. 

The AAP called the ED summons 'illegal' saying that the matter of the validity of the summons is now in the court.

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"ED itself has gone to court. Instead of sending summons again and again, ED should wait for the court's decision," a party source said.

Notably, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a sixth summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering probe related to irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 case asking him to join the investigation on February 19.

Kejriwal has so far skipped five previous summons issued by the ED on February 2, January 18, January 3, November 2 and December 22, calling them "illegal and politically motivated".

In its sixth charge sheet filed in the case on December 2, 2023, naming AAP leader Sanjay Singh and his aide Sarvesh Mishra, the ED has claimed that the AAP used kickbacks worth Rs 45 crore generated via the policy as part of its assembly elections campaign in Goa in 2022.
 
Kejriwal, while appearing virtually, informed the court that he wanted to join the court proceedings physically, but due to the confidence motion and budget sessions, he was unable to attend physically.

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The excise policy was aimed at revitalising the city's flagging liquor business and replacing a sales-volume-based regime with a licence fee for traders. It promised swankier stores and a better buying experience. The policy introduced discounts and offers on the purchase of liquor for the first time in Delhi.
 
Two senior AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh--are already under judicial custody in the case.

(With inputs from agencies)
 

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