New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) presented damning allegations against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in connection with the Delhi Excise policy scam. In the Rouse Avenue Court on Tuesday, the ED accused an individual involved in the case of financing Kejriwal’s stay at a luxury hotel using illicit funds.
The court session focused on the ED’s latest chargesheet against Kejriwal and AAP. The ED alleged an “intimate relationship” between Kejriwal and Vinod Chauhan, an accused in the case, who was involved in handling proceeds from illegal activities, particularly through hawala operations.
Allegations and Evidence
Advocate Zoheb Hossain, representing the ED, revealed that communications between Kejriwal and Chauhan included discussions about judicial meetings and Chauhan’s professional postings. Hossain emphasized the nature of their relationship, stating, “Look at the intimate relationship, kind of people offering to meet. What does Chauhan have to do with sitting judges? He’s involved in Chauhan’s postings.”
The ED claimed that Rs 1 crore was recovered from Chauhan’s residence and that part of Kejriwal’s stay at a 7-star hotel in Goa was funded using illicit proceeds. Another accused, Chanpreet Singh, allegedly facilitated the payment using money obtained from hawala dealers. This money was purportedly used for the Goa elections and other purposes.
Punjab Excise Department’s Role
The ED also accused the Punjab Excise Department of being manipulated to extract bribes for the Delhi liquor business. Advocate Hossain mentioned that stakeholders who did not comply with demands were forced out of business. “The common factor is Delhi and Punjab are both ruled by AAP,” the court noted.
Kejriwal as the “Kingpin”
In its chargesheet, the ED labeled Arvind Kejriwal as the “kingpin and key conspirator” of the Delhi Excise scam, asserting that he was instrumental in using illegal funds for AAP’s election campaigns. The agency also highlighted the role of Vijay Nair, AAP’s former communications-in-charge, who allegedly offered to secure favorable provisions in the excise policy in return for funds for AAP. Nair, despite having no official role in the excise department, was allegedly involved in this corrupt practice.
Legal Implications for AAP
Hossain explained how AAP, as a political entity, could be prosecuted for money laundering under the Representation of the People (RP) Act. He argued that a political party, defined as an association of individuals, falls within the legal definition of a company and thus can be held accountable. “AAP is a political party, that’s beyond dispute. Under the RP Act, a political party is an association of individuals. A company also includes an association of individuals. A political party falls under the meaning of ‘association of individuals’ which is fortified by the RP Act,” Hossain elaborated.
The court’s decision on the cognizance of the ED’s chargesheet will have significant implications for Arvind Kejriwal, AAP, and their political future amid these serious allegations.
