Arrested Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of Delhi stands accused as the kingpin in an alleged excise policy scandal, directly implicated in its orchestration and favoritism towards the 'South Group', according to statements made by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in court on Friday. The ED, seeking custody for questioning, asserted that Kejriwal had been uncooperative during the investigation, prompting the need to gather further information through interrogation.
Advocating for 10 days of custody, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the ED along with special counsel Zoheb Hossain, highlighted Kejriwal's alleged involvement in utilizing the proceeds of crime, including demands for kickbacks from the 'South Group' in exchange for favorable treatment.
The 'South Group', comprised of individuals such as Sarath Reddy, Raghav Magunta, and Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, allegedly funneled kickbacks amounting to Rs 100 crore, with Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha also purportedly linked to the group.
ASG Raju further claimed that proceeds from the 'South Group', totaling around Rs 45 crore, were diverted to the Aam Aadmi Party's campaign in Goa during 2021-22. He emphasized that the scope of 'proceeds of crime' extended beyond the direct bribes, encompassing profits gained by those involved in the bribery scheme.
“Proceeds of crime of about Rs 45 crore received from the South Group were used by Aam Aadmi Party in the Goa campaign in 2021-22,” ASG Raju said, adding that proceeds of crime were not only the Rs 100 crore bribe but also the profits made by bribe payers.
“Aam Aadmi Party is a beneficiary but it doesn’t exist individually. It is a company. Every person who is involved in the functioning of the company is responsible and shall be deemed to be guilty,” he said.
Regarding Kejriwal's arrest, it followed an interrogation session lasting over two hours at his official residence, culminating in his transfer to the ED's office on A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Road late Thursday night. Kejriwal spent the night in ED custody before appearing before the Rouse Avenue Court on Friday, preceded by a medical examination.
Legal representatives Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Vikram Chaudhary, and Ramesh Gupta, representing Kejriwal, moved to reject the remand request during the court proceedings. Kejriwal, escorted under heavy security, experienced a health scare as his blood pressure dropped mid-hearing, prompting swift action.
In a brief statement to the gathered media, Kejriwal asserted his dedication to the nation, whether inside or outside of jail, marking his first public response following his ED arrest. Additionally, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been lodged with the High Court, seeking Kejriwal's removal from the position of Chief Minister of Delhi.
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