CM Arvind Kejriwal Offers to Face ED Summons Virtually, Agency Reacts

CM Arvind Kejriwal: Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, responded today to the eighth summons issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the money laundering investigation into irregularities in the Delhi excise policy case. Kejriwal offered a day after March 12 and indicated his willingness to respond to the investigative agency's inquiries, even if he considered the summons to be "illegal."

Arvind Kejriwal Chooses Video Conference

Kejriwal will participate in the hearing via video conference, according to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The investigation team is determined to interview the chief minister of Delhi in person, nevertheless. According to the ED, video conferencing is not an option for questioning.

This action follows the ED's February 27 issuance of its ninth summons, which set March 4 as Kejriwal's planned appearance date at the agency's headquarters. The current investigation focuses on purported anomalies in the creation and execution of the Delhi excise policy (2021–22). Kejriwal's comment on issues like policy formation and bribery charges is sought by the ED.

Arvind Kejriwal Ignored Seven Summonses

Previously, Kejriwal disregarded seven ED summonses, claiming they were "illegal and politically motivated." In a statement, the AAP asked the ED to hold off on issuing any more summonses while it awaited the court's ruling.

The excise policy promised a more contemporary shopping experience with deals and discounts, and it was implemented to reform the spirits industry in the nation's capital. However, the insurance was cancelled as a result of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena's directive to look into purported anomalies.

AAP Claims Baijal's Adjustments Had Negative Financial Ramifications

Anil Baijal, Saxena's predecessor, is accused by the AAP of making hurried adjustments that negatively impacted the policy's revenue projections. Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh, two well-known AAP leaders, are already been held in judicial custody in relation to the case.

Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia was taken into custody by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on February 26 of last year, while Rajya Sabha member Singh was taken into custody by the Enforcement Department (ED) on October 5.