On Monday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a supplementary chargesheet against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the Rouse Avenue Court. This chargesheet is part of an ongoing investigation into a money-laundering case connected to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy.
The CBI’s action comes after an extensive probe into the alleged misuse of the excise policy, which reportedly involved significant financial misconduct.
This isn’t the first legal challenge for Kejriwal regarding this issue. Earlier, in May of this year, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had also filed a comprehensive 200-page chargesheet against him. The ED’s chargesheet detailed accusations of financial irregularities and corruption linked to the excise policy.
Both the CBI and ED investigations suggest a pattern of financial impropriety and mismanagement associated with the implementation of the excise policy.
CBI Files Charge Sheet Against Arvind Kejriwal
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a charge sheet against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others in connection with the excise policy case in Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court.
Arvind Kejriwal, also the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 for money laundering related to the alleged excise policy scam. Although the Supreme Court granted him interim bail, he remains in jail due to a separate arrest by the CBI in a related case.
The Supreme Court’s interim bail does not apply to the corruption case filed by the CBI, so Arvind Kejriwal continues to be in judicial custody. The court mentioned that he can still apply for bail in the other pending cases against him in various states.
Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal’s Plea Against Arrest to be Heard by Delhi High Court
Delhi CM Accused of Major Role in Excise Policy Scam
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has accused the Delhi Chief Minister of being a major conspirator in the excise policy case. According to the agency, Vijay Nair, who was the former media head of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and a close associate of the Chief Minister, was in regular contact with multiple liquor producers and traders, facilitating their interests.
The CBI further claimed that the Delhi Cabinet, which is headed by the Chief Minister, provided retroactive approval for the decisions made by former Delhi minister Manish Sisodia concerning the liquor policy. This implies that the Cabinet’s approval came after the decisions were already implemented, suggesting irregularities in the procedural conduct.
A significant part of the allegations revolves around the increase in profit margins for liquor wholesalers. The CBI stated that under the Chief Minister’s directive, the profit margin was raised from 5% to 12% without any clear or valid reasoning. This increase is seen as a major point of contention, suggesting that it was done to benefit certain stakeholders unjustifiably.
During previous court hearings, the CBI emphasized that “Arvind Kejriwal is part of the conspiracy in the liquor scam. All Delhi government decisions were taken only as per his directions.” This statement underscores the agency’s stance that the Chief Minister was centrally involved in the alleged irregularities and misuse of power.
The situation intensified when the Enforcement Directorate arrested the AAP chief on March 21 in connection with a money laundering case tied to the alleged excise policy scam. Although the Supreme Court granted him interim bail, allowing temporary relief from detention, he remains in jail due to a separate but related arrest by the CBI.
This ongoing legal battle highlights the gravity of the charges and the intricate web of allegations facing the Delhi Chief Minister and his associates.
CBI Files Charge Sheet Against Arvind Kejriwal FAQs
Q.1. What is the excise policy case involving Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal?
Ans. The excise policy case involves allegations of financial misconduct and corruption in the implementation of Delhi’s liquor policy, leading to charges against Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and others.
Q.2. Why did the Enforcement Directorate arrest Arvind Kejriwal?
Ans. Enforcement Directorate arrested Arvind Kejriwal on March 21 for money laundering related to the alleged excise policy scam.
Q.3. What are the main allegations in the chargesheet filed by the CBI?
Ans. The CBI alleges that Kejriwal was a key conspirator in the excise policy case, approving irregular decisions and increasing profit margins for liquor wholesalers without valid reasons.
Q.4. Has the Supreme Court granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal?
Ans. Yes, the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Kejriwal in the money laundering case, but he remains in jail due to a separate arrest by the CBI in a related matter.
Q.5. What is the significance of the charges filed by the CBI and ED?
Ans. The charges by the CBI and ED indicate serious allegations of financial impropriety and mismanagement, highlighting potential widespread corruption in the implementation of the excise policy.
