Kejriwal's arrest: Details emerge about hawala deals, bribes, WhatsApp chats, secret meetings and more

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal. (File photo)

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwalhas been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on allegations linked to kickbacks related to the city's liquor policy. More importantly, the arrest follows a corruption case filed by the federal agency, implicating several high-ranking AAP leaders in Delhi for their alleged involvement in corruption and acceptance of kickbacks associated with the alcohol licencing framework. Plus, the development carries substantial weight within India's political realm, especially with the impending Lok Sabha elections, marking the first instance in independent India's history where a sitting chief minister faces arrest.

Beneath the surface, a murky network of alleged shocking revelations and dubious transactions has recently emerged. Disturbing truths have been brought to light, revealing a complex network of hawala operators manipulating the flow of election funds in Goa, with implications reaching Kejriwal and his close circle. Exclusive information obtained by News18.com exposes the intricate communication channels used, including WhatsApp exchanges, FaceTime discussions, and secret meeting venues, facilitating covert fund transfers. The rapid intervention by the central investigative agency has led to the sudden arrest of Kejriwal, signifying a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.

According to sources within the ED cited by the website, evidence reportedly includes details of WhatsApp exchanges and FaceTime conversations involving the accused, notably the chief minister or individuals closely associated with him. These communications suggest the involvement of certain senior cabinet ministers of the Delhi government in the implementation of the excise policy.

Moneycontrol could not verify the report independently.

The alleged excise policy scandal in Delhi originates from a report submitted by the union territory's chief secretary Naresh Kumar to Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Vinai Kumar Saxena in July 2022.

The timing of the ED officials' visit to Kejriwal's official residence aligned with his receiving nine summonses related to the Delhi liquor policy case. Kejriwal's arrest by the agency took place around 9 pm, nearly two hours after the officials' arrival at his house. Reports indicate that both Kejriwal's and his wife's (Sunita Kejriwal) phones were confiscated, and data from their two tablets and laptop were transferred.

Amid tight security and dramatic scenes, officials from the federal agency brought Kejriwal to their office in Delhi around 11:25 pm in an SUV. Television footage showed the chief minister, attired in a white half-sleeve shirt, seated in the rear seat of the vehicle alongside three ED officials.

Following protocol, a team of doctors and medics, called upon by the ED, conducted a basic medical examination of Kejriwal. This standard procedure is routinely carried out for individuals who are arrested and held in custody before their court appearance.

Kejriwal's arrest, linked to the Delhi liquor policy case, is rooted in the significant changes spearheaded by the AAP government during his tenure in 2021. These changes constituted crucial alterations to the liquor excise policy. First, the government decided to issue store operation licences to private entities, thereby reducing the direct involvement of the Delhi government in the liquor trade. Additionally, the legal drinking age was lowered from 25 to 21 years, accompanied by a proposal to substantially raise the annual liquor vending license fee from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 75 lakh.

At the time of implementation, the Kejriwal government outlined several objectives for these reforms. These included combating the influence of the liquor mafia and reducing black market activities, boosting government revenue, and improving the overall consumer experience within the liquor retail sector.

Kejriwal experienced a momentary relief when a Delhi court granted him bail against the ED's  plea. However, his hopes were dashed as his petition before the High Court failed to yield results. On March 21, the high court declined to intervene when Kejriwal sought protection from "coercive action."

Within an hour, a 12-member team from the ED, supported by the Delhi Police and other officials, arrived at the Delhi CM's residence. A search ensued, resulting in the seizure of mobile phones and digital devices. Later, Kejriwal was arrested on charges of conspiracy and money laundering.

The arrest of Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha by the agency last week suggested that the ED was swiftly taking action against Kejriwal as well. Reports suggest that in its statement regarding the BRS leader, the agency alleged that investigation has revealed that Kavitha, along with others, allegedly conspired with the top leaders of AAP including Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia to obtain favours in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi Excise policy. In exchange for these favors, she was allegedly involved in paying Rs 100 crore to the leaders of AAP.

The ED may likely confront Kejriwal with Kavitha, who is expected to remain in the agency's custody until March 23.

Legal experts argue that Kejriwal has complicated his situation by avoiding nine summonses. Initially dismissing the summonses as illegal and politically motivated, the AAP leader later expressed willingness to answer questions via video conferencing. He also sought clarification from the ED regarding the context in which he was being summoned.

The ED on March 21 clarified to the Delhi High Court that Kejriwal was summoned for questioning in his personal capacity and not as the national convener of AAP.

According to a report on the News18 website, the ED has cited Kejriwal's FaceTime conversation with Sameer Mahendru, an alleged businessman linked to the South Group, in previous charge sheets. Allegedly, during this conversation, Kejriwal referred to Vijay Nair as "my boy." Nair, who previously served as AAP's communication in-charge, faces accusations of collusion with the South Group from the outset. It's alleged that Nair facilitated the transfer of cash bribes and drafted the excise policy in a manner favouring the alleged bribe payers in a quid pro quo arrangement.