Delhi Excise Policy Scam: CBI and IT Investigating Goa Connection, ED Also Probing Angle
Pune, 31 March, 2024: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) said the 45 crores rupees earned illegally from the Delhi Excise policy scheme were used for Aam Aadmi Party’s campaign in the 2022 Goa elections. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Income Tax (IT) department are also looking into what happened with the Delhi alcohol policy. Court papers confirm both agencies have started separate investigations into the excise policy scam.
The Delhi excise policy issue continues to cause problems for the Aam Aadmi Party. Earlier, two AAP leaders were already in jail, and the ED has detained Arvind Kejriwal recently. The ED believes the 45 crores from this scheme were used for AAP’s campaigning in Goa last year.
Both the CBI and IT Departments are looking into the Delhi Excise policy scam very carefully. They confirmed carrying out separate investigations into this scandal. According to court filings, these agencies gave the court details about their investigations on this issue.
The Enforcement Directorate also examines the network of operators and middlemen involved here. The ED recently said that Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his political party could face charges of alleged money laundering related to these funds. It is known that the ED recorded statements from five Angadia firm operators in the alleged Rs 45 crore bribery case.
Arresting individuals linked to the excise policy case, the ED has detained 16 key figures so far. Kavita, daughter or former Telangana Chief Minister Chandrashekhar Rao; Manish Sisodia, Delhi’s former Deputy CM and AAP leader; and, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh – are among the prominent figures arrested.
Delhi amended its new Excise duty policy in November 2021 to curb liquor sale irregularities, and boost revenue. Previously, retail liquor sales split evenly between government, private contractors generated Excise Department annual revenue around 4,500 crore rupees.
Delhi had privatized liquor sales with the 2021-22 policy, bringing accountability. 272 wards were to host at least two shops each. 10,000 crore rupees in revenue was targeted, curbing black market trade.
The agency has accused Delhi’s ruling AAP, through its national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, of committing the crime of money laundering. Meanwhile, according to official sources, the ED could also investigate AAP’s assets in connection with the alleged scam.
