The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is on Monday quizzing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Durgesh Pathak in connection with the alleged money laundering case related to the Delhi liquor policy. Pathak appeared before the central investigative agency for questioning, alongside Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's personal assistant Bibhav Kumar.
Pathak and Bibhav Kumar have previously been questioned by the ED regarding their involvement in cases linked to the Delhi excise policy.
PTI cited sources as revealing that Bibhav Kumar's questioning is crucial due to his involvement in Kejriwal's engagements. The ED has alleged that his mobile phone's International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number was changed multiple times between September 2021 and July 2022, suggesting attempts to conceal evidence.
Pathak, the AAP MLA from Rajinder Nagar constituency, was summoned by the agency for questioning regarding the party's campaign for the 2021-22 Goa assembly polls. The ED has alleged that kickbacks amounting to Rs 45 crore from the 'South Group' were utilised by AAP for this campaign.
The ED contends that cash payments were made to individuals involved in campaign activities, which were allegedly managed by AAP members like Vijay Nair and Pathak. The agency has recorded statements from various persons engaged in the AAP's election campaign during the Goa polls, revealing the role of Pathak and Nair in managing these activities.
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ED Has Become Political Alliance Of BJP: Atishi As Durgesh Pathak Appears Before ED
The summoning of Pathak coincides with recent statements made by AAP leader and Delhi government minister Atishi, who claimed that Pathak would be arrested within the next two months unless he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Atishi had claimed that Pathak had been offered membership in the BJP and would face arrest if he declined the invitation.
As Pathak appeared before the ED, Atishi remarked, "This is a conspiracy by the BJP to stop AAP from campaigning. ED has become a political alliance of the BJP. BJP wants to stop AAP leaders from campaigning at any cost", as quoted by news agency ANI.
AAP leader Sandeep Pathak claimed, "...Gradually they will summon all those who can create obstacles in their path."
Addressing a press conference, he appealed for unity in the AAP cadre saying, "Today Arvind Kejriwal is in jail but he has fulfilled his responsibility with honesty. Now, the responsibility is on us, 2 cr people of Delhi, for whom Arvind Kejriwal has put everything at stake, be it Ministers, or the govt but never stopped his struggle for the people of Delhi."
"Conspiracies are going on to put an end to the honest politics that have been started in Delhi. But, if Delhi had given birth to such politics, it's Delhi's responsibility to protect it...The entire world is looking towards us and we have to fulfil our responsibilities. Today, we are launching a campaign, 'Jail Ka Jawaab Vote Se'. We all should keep our pain in our hearts and on election day we all will give 'jail ka jawaab vote se'," he added, as quoted by ANI.
Delhi Liquor Policy Case
The Delhi excise policy has been under scrutiny, with allegations of irregularities and misconduct involving AAP's national convener, Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with the case and has been remanded in judicial custody until April 15. Additionally, former Deputy Chief Minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia is currently in jail. Recently, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh was granted bail in the matter.
The ED alleges that there have been discrepancies in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi liquor policy. According to the agency, several prominent AAP leaders and ministers have been implicated in the case.
On the other hand, the AAP has denounced the actions against Kejriwal as politically motivated, claiming that the BJP-led Union government is seeking retribution through these measures.