The Delhi excise policy case has drawn significant attention as high-profile political figures, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, are embroiled in allegations of corruption and money laundering. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has identified Kejriwal as the "kingpin" of the scheme, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) allegedly receiving substantial bribes in exchange for favours granted under the now-withdrawn excise policy.
Position: Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convener
Part: Part in the excise policy scam of 2021–2022: alleged "kingpin" and "key conspirator"
♦ Accusations:
- demanded kickbacks from liquor businessmen in exchange for favours in the excise policy.
- Listed as accused number 37 in the ED's chargesheet
- involved in concealing the proceeds of crime through cash transfers and Hawala channels
- Allegedly used funds from the "South Group" bribe of ₹100 crore for the AAP's Goa election campaign.
Position: Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister
Legal Proceedings:
- On February 26, 2023, the CBI detained someone who they claimed had a hand in the liquor policy case.
- Arrested by the ED on March 9, 2023, for money laundering related to the CBI's FIR
- Bail pleas dismissed by both the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court
Current Status:
Resigned from the Delhi cabinet on February 28, 2023
► Bail plea hearings were adjourned to July 15, 2024, as a Supreme Court judge recused himself from the case.
Position: Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Leader
♦ Allegations:
- played a significant role in arranging money for the AAP through the excise policy.
- accused of being a proxy partner of Indospirit, a liquor company that profited from the policy
Legal Proceedings:
- Arrested in April 2024
- Seeking default bail on the grounds of an incomplete charge sheet filed by the CBI
- Bail applications dismissed by the Delhi High Court
Next Steps:
►Hearing the on default bail plea scheduled for July 12, 2024
- Court will pronounce the order on taking cognizance of the third CBI chargesheet on July 15, 2024
"South Group"
Involvement: Allegedly paid a ₹100 crore bribe to the AAP
Key Members:
- Businessman Abhishek Boinpally
- Buchi Babu, aide to BRS leader K. Kavitha
- Magunta S. Reddy and Raghav Magunta (TDP members turned approvers)
Current Developments
♦ ED's Chargesheet: Filed on May 17, 2024, naming Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders
♦ Court Summons: AAP chief summoned to appear in court on July 12, 2024
♦ Bail Pleas: Manish Sisodia's bail plea hearings have been adjourned to July 15, 2024.
♦ Judicial Custody: The court extends the judicial custody of K. Kavitha until July 18, 2024.
Summary
The ongoing excise policy case has implicated high-profile political figures, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, in a web of allegations involving kickbacks and money laundering. The case continues to unfold with court hearings and legal battles ahead, affecting the political landscape and the reputations of those involved.
As the legal proceedings progress, the outcome of this high-stakes case will have significant implications for the political careers of those accused and for the public's trust in political institutions.
The nation watches closely as the judiciary navigates through the complexities of this scandal, aiming to deliver justice and maintain the integrity of governance.
Inputs: Agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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