Kejriwal Accuses ED Of 'Highhanded Conduct' In Delhi Liquor Policy Case Probe

The ED earlier this week accused Kejriwal as the kingpin in the alleged excise policy scam. It claimed that he had colluded with ministers and AAP leaders in soliciting kickbacks from liquor traders.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has told the Supreme Court that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had conducted itself in the "most highhanded manner" in the money-laundering case linked to the alleged liquor policy scam. Responding to the ED's affidavit filed in reply to his petition challenging his arrest in the case, Kejriwal highlighted his constant cooperation in the investigation, reported news agency PTI.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener highlighted the ED's submission in its reply affidavit to the apex court, stating that his arrest was prompted by his failure to appear before the investigating officer (IO) despite nine summonses. According to PTI, Kejriwal slammed the ED's stance, stating in the reply: "The aforementioned tenor, text and contents of the reply leave no manner of doubt that the ED has acted in a most highhanded manner in a gross affront to the due process of law."

Furthermore, Kejriwal argued that the ED failed to specify any instances of non-cooperation on his part. He questioned the necessity of his physical presence, suggesting alternative means of communication for obtaining information.

The ED, in its affidavit earlier this week, accused Kejriwal as the kingpin in the alleged excise policy scam. It claimed that he had colluded with ministers and AAP leaders in soliciting kickbacks from liquor traders. The ED defended Kejriwal's arrest, stating it was based on substantial evidence and did not undermine the integrity of elections. The agency emphasised that various courts had reviewed the evidence before affirming the decision to arrest him.

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21, following the Delhi High Court's denial of protection against coercive action by the agency. He is currently held in judicial custody at Tihar jail.

The Supreme Court issued a notice to the ED on April 15, seeking its response to Kejriwal's plea.

The high court on April 9 upheld Kejriwal's arrest, citing his repeated refusal to comply with summonses and participate in the investigation.

The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and implementation of Delhi's excise policy for 2021-22, which was subsequently annulled.