Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has responded to the eighth summons from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) related to the money laundering probe concerning irregularities in the Delhi excise policy case. Despite considering the summons “illegal,” Mr. Kejriwal has expressed his willingness to answer the probe agency’s questions, proposing a date after March 12.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced that Mr. Kejriwal will participate in the hearing through video conferencing. However, the ED is firm in its stance, insisting on physically questioning the Delhi Chief Minister, citing the absence of provisions for interrogation via video conferencing.
This development follows the issuance of the eighth summons on February 27, with March 4 set as the scheduled date for Mr. Kejriwal to appear at the agency’s headquarters.
The ongoing investigation revolves around alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi excise policy (2021–22). The ED is seeking Mr. Kejriwal’s statement on matters such as policy formulation and allegations of bribery.
Having skipped seven previous summonses, Mr. Kejriwal has labeled them as “illegal and politically motivated.” In a statement, the AAP has urged the ED to refrain from issuing further summonses and wait for the court’s decision.
The excise policy, intended to reform the liquor business in the national capital, promised a more modern shopping experience with discounts and offers. However, the order by Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena to investigate alleged irregularities led to the cancellation of the policy. The AAP accuses Mr. Saxena’s predecessor, Anil Baijal, of making last-minute changes that adversely affected the policy’s revenue expectations.
Two prominent AAP leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, are already under judicial custody in connection with the case. Mr. Sisodia, the former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister, was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 last year, while Mr. Singh, a Rajya Sabha member, was arrested by the ED on October 5.
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