CBI alleges Kejriwal’s involvement in Excise Policy ‘criminal conspiracy’

CBI Alleges Kejriwal’s Role in Delhi Excise Policy Scam

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of being involved in the criminal conspiracy surrounding the controversial Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.

In its fifth and final charge sheet, the agency alleged that Kejriwal was a key figure in the policy's formulation and implementation, which led to significant financial losses for the government.

The CBI claimed that Kejriwal had a "pre-conceived idea of privatizing" the excise policy and had demanded financial support for his party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), during the policy's drafting. The policy was eventually scrapped after allegations of corruption emerged. The charge sheet also linked Kejriwal's close associate and AAP's media and communication head, Vijay Nair, to demands for illegal payments from Delhi's liquor industry stakeholders in exchange for a favourable policy.

Kejriwal's alleged involvement extended beyond Delhi, with the CBI accusing him of orchestrating the transfer of ill-gotten funds to Goa through hawala channels. These funds, amounting to Rs 100 crore, were allegedly used to support AAP's election campaign in Goa. Two former Goa MLAs have also come forward, claiming that they received cash payments from an AAP volunteer for campaign expenses.

The agency's investigation has highlighted a network of stakeholders—liquor manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers—who allegedly colluded to manipulate the excise policy for their benefit. This "criminal conspiracy" reportedly led to significant losses for the government while providing undue financial gains to the involved parties.

AAP has denied all allegations, with the Supreme Court's verdict on Kejriwal's arrest by the CBI still pending.

(With inputs from agencies)