Probe Agency’s Liquor Policy Kickback Charge In Court, “Lies”, Says AAP

New Delhi: 

The Aam Aadmi Party has spent ₹ 45 crore on the election in Goa and there is enough evidence that party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was involved in money laundering, the Enforcement Directorate told the Delhi High Court today, hours after the Supreme Court remarked on its failure to produce evidence of a money trail and gave bail to senior party leader Sanjay Singh. AAP rubbed in the top court’s comments, calling the agency’s allegation a “lie”.

“The ED just lies. The Supreme Court said no money trail was found, and no money was found. The ED could not provide a shred of evidence in the Supreme Court. It is working at the behest of BJP, which wants to topple Delhi government at any cost,” read a rough translation of AAP’s statement in Hindi.

This is the first time the Central investigation agency made its allegations on Goa official, including it in its response to Mr Kejriwal’s challenge to his arrest.

Along with challenging his arrest in the case, Mr Kejriwal has also demanded release as interim relief. The matter would be heard by the court tomorrow.

Calling AAP the “major beneficiary of the proceeds of crime generated in the Delhi Liquor Scam”, the ED claimed, “Part of the proceeds of crime to the tune of cash of ₹ 45 crore approx. has been utilised in the election campaign of AAP in Goa Assembly elections 2022”.

The agency also questioned Mr Kejriwal’s objections, arguing that he has waived his right to question his detention today, and cannot now be allowed to argue that it is illegal.

Moreover, proper procedures under Section 16 of PMLA and Article 22 of the Constitution were strictly followed during his arrest, the agency has claimed.

The section empowers the ED to arrest anyone on basis of material in their possession that indicate s/he has committed an offence punishable under law. The agency is allowed to record its reasons for such belief in writing, with the grounds of arrest to be communicated to the accused “as soon as may be”.