### CBI and ED Charge Arvind Kejriwal with Direct Role in Delhi Excise Policy Scam
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been accused of playing a direct and significant role in the Delhi excise policy scam, according to chargesheets filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The case revolves around the alleged corruption and money laundering involved in formulating and implementing Delhi's excise policy for 2021-22, which has since been scrapped.
The CBI described Kejriwal as the "sutradhaar" (facilitator) of the scam, highlighting his pivotal role in orchestrating the policy that reportedly facilitated financial kickbacks and irregularities benefiting a liquor cartel. The agency claimed to have substantial evidence linking Kejriwal to the scam, emphasizing that his arrest was crucial to advancing the investigation and uncovering further evidence from testimonies of AAP workers and other involved individuals【22†source】【23†source】.
The ED, in a parallel investigation focusing on money laundering aspects, has also filed multiple chargesheets naming Kejriwal and AAP as accused. This marks the eighth chargesheet by the ED in this case, with 18 people arrested so far. The ED's charges are based on the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), citing Kejriwal's alleged involvement in receiving benefits through the policy. The agency accused him of staying in a seven-star hotel with expenses partly covered by an accused in the case, which it presents as direct evidence of his involvement
During a court hearing, the CBI's special public prosecutor argued that Kejriwal's arrest led to uncovering significant evidence and testimonies that would have been difficult to obtain otherwise. The prosecutor claimed that even post-charge sheet, Kejriwal could potentially influence witnesses, further necessitating his detainment. On the other hand, Kejriwal's defense, led by lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, contended that the charges were politically motivated and lacked direct evidence. Singhvi argued that the excise policy was an institutional decision involving numerous bureaucrats, including the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) and multiple ministries, thereby diluting the claim of Kejriwal's exclusive culpability
The controversy has significantly impacted the political landscape, with Kejriwal and his party, AAP, asserting that the allegations are part of a politically driven campaign against them. Despite these claims, the ongoing investigations and subsequent legal proceedings continue to keep the issue in the spotlight, raising questions about governance, accountability, and the integrity of public officials in handling policy matters