ED Issues Fresh Summons to Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi Excise Policy Case?

New Delhi, January 14, 2024: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has issued a new summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning in the Excise Policy Case. Kejriwal is required to appear before the Central probe agency on January 18, marking the fourth time he has been summoned in connection with the money laundering case linked to the excise policy.

Despite the previous three summonses, Kejriwal had refused to depose before the ED on January 3, citing Rajya Sabha polls and Republic Day preparations. He questioned the ED’s motives, alleging legal “objections” to the summonses and accusing the agency of assuming the role of “judge, jury, and executioner.”

By issuing the latest notice, the ED has rejected Kejriwal’s contention that the summonses were not in line with the law and, therefore, should be withdrawn.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleged on Saturday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is “misusing” the ED to hinder Kejriwal’s campaigning for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The timing of the summons was questioned, as Kejriwal is scheduled to visit Goa from January 18 to interact with party leaders and volunteers.

When asked about Kejriwal’s potential appearance before the ED this time, AAP leader and Delhi minister Gopal Rai stated that they are consulting legal advisors and will act accordingly.

Meanwhile, the Delhi BJP accused Kejriwal of acting like a “fugitive” and criticized the AAP for giving a “political color” to the ED’s probe. Two AAP leaders, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, are already in jail in connection with the case.

Kejriwal’s name has appeared multiple times in charge sheets filed by the ED, alleging his involvement in discussions regarding the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. The ED claimed that the AAP used “proceeds of crime” amounting to around Rs 45 crore in its Goa election campaign.

The allegations revolve around the excise policy granting licenses to liquor traders, with accusations of cartelization and favoritism. The AAP denies any wrongdoing and asserts that the party is being targeted due to political vendetta.