In yet another blow to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on the premises of Delhi AAP MLA Gulab Singh Yadav on Saturday, as per sources familiar with the matter. The ongoing raids are taking place at the residence of Yadav, who represents the Matiala seat in Delhi.
This development comes just two days after the ED arrested Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi Chief Minister and national convener of AAP, in connection with the excise policy case. Kejriwal, who was apprehended on Thursday night, was remanded to ED custody until March 28 by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Friday, concerning the money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam.
The ED, having custody of Kejriwal until March 28, has accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of being the primary beneficiary of the proceeds of crime generated in the alleged excise policy scam. According to the remand note of the agency, “The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is the major beneficiary of the proceeds of crime generated in the Delhi Liquor Scam.”
Furthermore, the ED alleged that part of the proceeds of crime amounting to approximately Rs 45 crore had been utilized in the election campaign of AAP during the Goa Assembly elections in 2022. The agency also claimed that Kejriwal played a direct role in the formulation of the Excise policy, stating, “Arvind Kejriwal has also been intrinsically involved in the entire conspiracy of the Delhi liquor Scam.”
The probe agency asserted in its remand note that Kejriwal’s actions, involving the formulation of the excise policy and colluding with members of the South Group to receive kickbacks, were carried out with his active collusion and knowledge. Kejriwal’s arrest by the central agency came after he ignored multiple summons issued by the investigation agency, totaling nine in number, which he deemed “illegal.”
The case revolves around alleged irregularities and money laundering associated with the framing and implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy 2022, which was subsequently annulled. The ED’s actions signify a continued crackdown on alleged corruption and malpractice within the political sphere, underscoring the agency’s commitment to upholding accountability and transparency in governance.
