New Delhi: Today, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) took into custody Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in connection with the liquor policy case. Earlier speculations by AAP leaders Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj hinted at the possibility of Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED, especially considering his repeated avoidance of the central probe agency’s summons, totaling nine times.
In an official statement, the ED labeled Kejriwal as a “conspirator” in the case. According to the ED, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha collaborated with Kejriwal, along with AAP members Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, in formulating the now-nullified liquor policy case.
The alleged conspiracy aimed to devise a policy that would favor a liquor lobby from southern India, referred to as the “South Lobby” by the ED. In exchange, the “South Lobby” purportedly pledged ₹100 crore to the AAP. Kejriwal’s involvement was noted in statements provided by certain accused individuals and witnesses, a detail highlighted by the ED in its remand note and chargesheets.
Vijay Nair, a key figure in the liquor policy case, frequented Kejriwal’s office, spending considerable time there, according to the investigative agency. Nair purportedly informed liquor traders that he discussed the policy with Kejriwal. Additionally, Nair facilitated a meeting between Kejriwal and Indospirit owner Sameer Mahendru, later arranging a video call between the two, during which Kejriwal referred to Nair as someone he “trusts like a child.”
Raghav Magunta, initially accused in the “South Lobby” case and now a witness, disclosed that his father, a YSR Congress Party MP, met Kejriwal to discuss the liquor policy.
In December 2022, C Arvind, former secretary to Manish Sisodia, alleged that in March of the preceding year, he received a draft report from Sisodia. When he visited Kejriwal’s residence following a call from Sisodia, Arvind claimed to have encountered Satyendar Jain there, along with the aforementioned document. Arvind asserted his surprise, stating that no such proposal had been discussed in any group of ministers’ meeting, yet he was instructed to draft a report based on the document.
