A group from the Enforcement Directorate has gone to the home of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. This happened shortly after the Delhi High Court denied temporary relief to Kejriwal regarding summonses from the Enforcement Directorate related to the Delhi excise policy case.
Around eight officers from various probe agencies are currently stationed outside the residence of Mr. Kejriwal, as per information. They are there to deliver the 10th summons to the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regarding the Delhi excise policy case.
ED team Reached Arvind Kejriwal’s Residence
An enforcement team from the Directorate visited Arvind Kejriwal’s residence in Delhi after the High Court declined to shield him from legal action in a liquor investigation. The court stated it wasn’t willing to provide relief at this point.
Officials from the Enforcement Directorate went to Kejriwal’s house to deliver a summons regarding the case. However, there are reports suggesting they also had a search warrant, and a search was underway at Kejriwal’s place. It’s rumored that Kejriwal might face questioning. The Chief Minister has ignored several summons from the agency since last year.
During the court hearing on Thursday, the bench asked Kejriwal why he hadn’t sought anticipatory bail from the lower court if he feared arrest. They questioned why he hadn’t challenged the summons earlier, especially since they began in October.
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Delhi High Court Refuses Immediate Relief to Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, hasn’t received immediate relief in the money laundering case linked to a liquor scam. The Delhi High Court has currently declined to halt Kejriwal’s arrest, asking the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to reply to his petition within two weeks. The next hearing is scheduled for April 22.
During the hearing, the ED presented documents to the court. Representing the ED, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju showcased the documents against Kejriwal and emphasized that they were presented as per the court’s directive, discouraging any further requests from the petitioners.
Kejriwal, fearing arrest by the ED, filed a petition in the High Court, which was heard recently. His lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, requested the court not to arrest Kejriwal until after the Lok Sabha elections, allowing him to participate. Singhvi suggested arresting Kejriwal in June if it brought satisfaction. He orally pleaded for protection from punitive actions at least until the elections to enable Kejriwal to contest.
Delhi Liquor Case
The city’s liquor business needed a boost, so officials introduced a new policy. It aimed to improve liquor stores and change the way traders paid fees. The policy also promised discounts and perks for customers buying liquor in Delhi for the first time.
However, there were concerns about how the policy was managed. Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena launched an investigation into alleged irregularities. As a result, the policy was scrapped. The Enforcement Directorate is now looking into the matter.
In their latest update, they accused AAP leader Sanjay Singh and his associate Sarvesh Mishra of receiving kickbacks worth ₹45 crore from the policy. These funds allegedly went toward the party’s election campaign in Goa in 2022.
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ED team Reached Arvind Kejriwal’s Residence FAQs
Q.1. What is the reason for the ED visiting Arvind Kejriwal’s residence?
Ans. The visit is related to summonses concerning the Delhi excise policy case, where Kejriwal faces scrutiny.
Q.2. Why did the Delhi High Court decline immediate relief to Arvind Kejriwal?
Ans. The court refused to halt Kejriwal’s potential arrest in the money laundering case linked to a liquor scam.
Q.3. What is the current status of the Delhi excise policy case?
Ans. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating alleged irregularities, including kickbacks, involving AAP leaders like Sanjay Singh and Sarvesh Mishra.
Q.4. How many summonses has Arvind Kejriwal received regarding the liquor scam case?
Ans. Kejriwal has received multiple summonses, with the latest being the 10th, regarding the Delhi excise policy case.
Q.5. When is the next hearing scheduled in Arvind Kejriwal’s case?
Ans. The next hearing is set for April 22, following the Delhi High Court’s decision not to provide immediate relief to Kejriwal.