Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been accused of directly using part of the alleged ₹ 100 crore generated from kickbacks in the Delhi excise policy scam for personal luxury, according to the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The federal probe agency has claimed in its chargesheet that Kejriwal used these funds for a stay in a luxury hotel in Goa. This revelation comes amid ongoing investigations and legal proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Details of the Chargesheet

The ED filed a prosecution complaint on May 17, which was acknowledged by a special PMLA court on Tuesday. This complaint led to a production warrant being issued for the jailed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, who is set to appear on July 12. The chargesheet, which runs 209 pages, explicitly names Kejriwal as the "kingpin and key conspirator" of the Delhi excise scam, allegedly executed in collusion with other ministers of the Delhi government, AAP leaders, and various associates.

Allegations Against Kejriwal and AAP

The ED has detailed in its chargesheet that the Group of Ministers (GoM) formed by Kejriwal's government in relation to the excise policy was merely a "sham". The agency claims that Kejriwal misused the proceeds of crime by having Chanpreet Singh, another accused, pay for his stay and event at the Grand Hyatt, Goa. Additionally, it is alleged that Kejriwal mingled these illicit funds with the official funds of the Delhi government.

The ED has further accused Kejriwal of having control over the ₹ 100 crore at every stage of its generation, acquisition, possession, transfer, and use. The agency has stated that Kejriwal should be held accountable for money laundering under section 4 of the PMLA and vicariously under section 70, which holds him responsible for the conduct of AAP's business affairs.

Political Reactions and Legal Proceedings

The AAP, which governs both Delhi and Punjab, has responded by accusing the BJP-led central government of orchestrating a "big conspiracy" against the party. They claim that the government is attempting to dismantle their political outfit through these legal allegations.

The ED's chargesheet has also shed light on how the alleged ₹ 100 crore kickbacks were utilized. It is stated that the 'South Group' of politicians and liquor businessmen provided these funds to secure a favorable position in the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22. Of these funds, ₹ 45 crore was allegedly allocated for AAP's campaign expenses in Goa during the 2022 assembly elections. The ED has accused AAP of keeping these expenses off the books and not disclosing them to the Election Commission of India.

Kejriwal's Defense and ED's Investigation

In his defense, Kejriwal has reportedly been evasive during his custodial interrogations. The ED recorded his statement 11 times since his arrest on March 21, but claims he concealed information and gave vague answers. The agency also seized several digital devices used by Kejriwal, but he allegedly refused to provide passwords, following his lawyers' advice.

Conclusion

The allegations against Arvind Kejriwal and AAP in the Delhi excise policy scam have sparked significant political and legal controversies. The ED's chargesheet accuses Kejriwal of being a central figure in the scam and misusing substantial amounts of money for personal and political gains. As the case unfolds, the AAP continues to claim that these charges are part of a larger political conspiracy by the BJP-led central government. The upcoming court proceedings and further investigations will be crucial in determining the outcome of these serious allegations.