Arvind Kejriwal Skips Seventh ED Summons in Delhi Excise Policy Case
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has once again skipped a summons from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) related to the money laundering case associated with alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22. The ED issued its seventh summons, asking Kejriwal to appear on February 26, after he previously refused to participate in the interrogation since November 2, 2021. The AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) labeled the repeated summons as “illegal” and called on the probe agency to await a court order.
The excise policy, introduced by the Delhi government in 2021-22, aimed to rejuvenate the city’s liquor business by replacing the sales-volume-based system with a license fee. It promised improved stores and a better buying experience for customers. However, the policy was scrapped following allegations of irregularities, leading to a call for a CBI probe by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
The ED alleges that AAP received kickbacks amounting to ₹100 crore to finalize the excise policy. It is claimed that a significant portion of these funds was used in the party’s election campaign in Goa. Top AAP leaders, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, have been arrested in connection with the case. Meanwhile, the ED has filed a complaint against Kejriwal for “disobeying” its summons.
The ongoing case highlights the political and legal challenges surrounding the Delhi excise policy, with Kejriwal’s repeated refusal to appear before the ED adding to the complexity of the investigation.
