Centre Clears Prosecution of Kejriwal in Delhi Excise Policy Case

by The_unmuteenglish

New Delhi, 15 January 2025: The Union Home Ministry has authorized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to prosecute former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case tied to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam, officials confirmed.

Kejriwal, also the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), faces accusations of being the “kingpin and key conspirator” in what the ED described as a major financial irregularity.

A chargesheet filed by the federal agency last year alleges Kejriwal colluded with senior party leaders, including ministers in his government, during the formulation and execution of the excise policy for 2021-22, which was later withdrawn.

The ED’s investigation stems from a CBI FIR registered on August 17, 2022, followed by the agency’s own money laundering case filed five days later. The probe was initiated after Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena recommended an inquiry into suspected irregularities.

The ED claims the AAP, categorized as a “company” under the anti-money laundering law’s provisions, is liable due to Kejriwal’s alleged oversight and direct involvement in the policy’s creation and execution. “As the national convener of AAP and the individual in charge, Kejriwal and his party are deemed guilty of offenses under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA),” the ED stated.

Officials confirmed the Home Ministry’s sanction just weeks before the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections, intensifying the political backdrop to the case.

Kejriwal was arrested in March and remains accused both personally and in his capacity as a political leader. The former chief minister and his party deny wrongdoing, maintaining the charges are politically motivated.

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