The Enforcement Directorate, seeking custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case, charged he was the kingpin of the scam. The agency also accused that money received as kickbacks by the Aam Aadmi Party was used during for Goa Assembly poll campaign.
Producing Arvind Kejriwal at the PMLA Court, ED sought 10-day custody of the Delhi chief minister. Appearing for ED, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju said Arvind Kejriwal was the kingpin of the Delhi excise scam. Reading the remand application, Raju said Kejriwal was involved in the use of proceeds of crime. Kejriwal was directly involved in the implementation of the policy and giving favour to the South group, ED charged.
ED alleged AAP’s former communication in-charge Vijay Nair was staying adjacent to Kejriwal’s residence and he acted as the middleman between the Aam Aadmi Party and South Group. The agency alleged Kejriwal demanded kickbacks from the South Group in exchange for giving favours to them. Besides Rs 100 crore bribe, profit made by bribe payers were also proceeds of crime, ED charged. The agency said hawala trail of 45 crore received from South Group has been traced and it was used by AAP for the Goa Assembly poll campaign.
Seeking remand, ASG Raju argued that the Delhi chief minister wilfully disobeyed ED’s summons and gave incorrect facts during raids at his residence. He added Kejriwal did not cooperate with the investigation.
Meanwhile, before entering the Court, Kejriwal said his life is dedicated to the nation, irrespective of whether he is inside or outside prison.
