Liquor Policy Case: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for the eighth time. The central investigative agency, ED, probing money laundering in the alleged liquor scam in Delhi, called Kejriwal for questioning on March 4th.
Allegations of corruption have arisen in Delhi's excise policy. The CBI is investigating this matter, while the ED is focused on the angle of money laundering.
Central agencies have already arrested two prominent leaders, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, in this case.
Earlier, on February 22nd, the ED had sent Kejriwal the 7th summons, calling him for questioning on February 26th. However, Kejriwal did not appear.
The Aam Aadmi Party had stated that the matter is sub judice and its hearing is scheduled for March 16th. Instead of sending daily summonses, the ED should wait for the court's decision.
The alleged liquor scam in Delhi revolves around the implementation of the new excise policy introduced by the Delhi government on November 17, 2020.
On July 22, 2022, following complaints of alleged violations and irregularities in the excise policy, the Lieutenant Governor, V.K. Saxena, recommended a CBI investigation into the matter.
The controversy stemmed from claims made in the report of the Chief Secretary of Delhi, alleging that the rules of the liquor policy were violated to provide undue benefits to liquor license holders.
Amid escalating controversy, on July 28, 2022, Delhi's Excise Minister, Manish Sisodia, ordered the department to revert to the old excise policy.
In August 2022, the CBI registered an FIR in the case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) entered the investigation on August 22, 2022.
On February 26, Manish Sisodia was arrested by the CBI in connection with the case. Sanjay Singh was arrested on October 4.
