Leader Online Desk : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has claimed that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal named AAP leaders and Ministers of State Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj during the probe into the Delhi liquor policy scam. Ministers Atishi Marlena and Saurabh Bhardwaj knew everything
According to 'ED', Arvind Kejriwal said, “Vijay Nair has not given us any information in this case. Ministers Atishi Marlena and Saurabh Bhardwaj knew everything. Both of them had an interaction with Vijay Nair.”
Vijay Nair is AAP's former communications in-charge and one of the accused in the liquor policy case. His alleged involvement stems from his tenure as the party's communications in-charge, during which the alleged scam came to light.
The case, which pertains to alleged corruption by the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government in formulating its liquor policy, is being probed by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED. In its charge sheet, the ED has accused Nair of acting as a middleman for the 'Dakshin Group'. He is also alleged to have paid a bribe of Rs 100 crore to the Kejriwal government to gain entry into the liquor retail business in Delhi.
According to ED, accused Sameer Mahendru told the authorities that Nair had arranged a meeting with Kejriwal; But when that didn't happen, they forced the Chief Minister to speak through a video call.” During the video call, Arvind Kejriwal told Sameer that Nair is his son, he can trust him,” the probe alleged.
Nair was earlier arrested by the CBI and ED in connection with the case and is currently in jail. According to ED officials, Nair is believed to be a part of a larger conspiracy, with Kejriwal himself in the investigation agency's investigation. Apart from Arvind Kejriwal, senior AAP leaders Satyendar Jain, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh have also been arrested and are currently in jail. The Rouse Avenue Court on Monday sent the Delhi Chief Minister to judicial custody for 14 days.
Kejriwal's non-cooperation in investigation: ED allegation
Arvind Kejriwal said he was unaware of the people working in the Chief Minister's camp office. He also refused to answer the questions why Nair worked from the Chief Minister's camp office,” the ED has also claimed. They did not disclose passwords for digital devices. His behavior was completely uncooperative. They have not deposited their phone. ED officials have also alleged that the investigation is being misled by giving evasive answers. Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in the Delhi liquor policy case. He was remanded to the custody of the federal agency till March 28. His custody was extended by four days. Today, the court has sent him to judicial custody for 15 days. He has been sent to Tihar Jail. Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 in the liquor scam case.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 after nearly two hours of interrogation. After this, the Rouse Avenue court remanded him in ED custody till March 28. After this, his ED custody was again extended till April 1.
Kejriwal sent to Tihar Jail
Kejriwal has now been sent to Tihar Jail after being remanded in judicial custody. According to Tihar Jail sources, it has not yet been decided in which barrack Tihar Kejriwal will be kept. Aam Aadmi Party leader Sanjay Singh has been shifted from Tihar Jail No.2 to Jail No.5 a few days ago. Manish Sisodia is lodged in Tihar Jail Number One. At the same time, Satendra Jain has been kept in jail number seven of Tihar Jail. of Kavita is lodged in Lady Jail No.6.
What is the new liquor policy in Delhi?
On 22 March 2021, the then Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia announced a new liquor policy for Delhi. On 17 November 2021, a new liquor policy i.e. Excise Duty Policy 2021-22 was implemented. Given after this policy. The government's control over the liquor shops was transferred to the private sector. The government predicted that the mafia rule in the liquor business would end and the government's revenue would increase. But this new policy was controversial from the beginning. On 28 July 2022, the government scrapped the new liquor policy and reinstated the old policy after the uproar.
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