In a significant turn of events, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently carried out searches at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh regarding the Delhi Liquor Policy case. This development has sent ripples through the political landscape, raising questions about the involvement of prominent figures in the liquor scam.
Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials conducted a search at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Singh, in relation to the Delhi Liquor Policy case. After approximately 10 hours of investigation, Singh was arrested. In a pre-arrest video statement, Singh expressed his belief that the Narendra Modi government is dedicated to fighting corruption and ensuring his voice is heard. He mentioned that the ED had conducted an extensive search at his home throughout the day, but no incriminating evidence was found. Nevertheless, he was taken into custody. Singh used this opportunity to convey a message to Modi, predicting a significant defeat in the upcoming election. Singh’s arrest marks the latest development in the central agencies’ scrutiny of AAP leaders in the liquor policy case. The controversy began with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arresting Manish Sisodia, the former deputy chief minister of Delhi, in February. Since then, the case has garnered significant attention nationwide. The case pertains to the excise policy of the Delhi government in 2021, which was later scrapped. The CBI alleges that liquor companies played a role in formulating the policy, resulting in a 12% profit for those companies. The CBI further claims that a liquor lobby known as the “South Group” paid kickbacks, with 6% of the profit being funneled to government employees through intermediaries. The ED is investigating allegations of money laundering related to these kickbacks. The BJP has accused the Delhi government of reverting to the old liquor policy to conceal corrupt practices after canceling the 2021 policy. Conversely, the Aam Aadmi Party maintains the innocence of Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, who denies any wrongdoing. The party has labeled Sisodia’s arrest as an “attack on the model of Delhi governance”. It is worth noting that Kavitha, the daughter of Telangana CM KCR, is also facing trial in connection with the same case.
In a recent development, the Supreme Court has made noteworthy remarks regarding the actions of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in money laundering cases. The court emphasized the importance of transparency and fairness in the investigation process, urging the ED to refrain from taking any retaliatory measures. These comments were made during the hearing of a petition filed by Basant Bansal and Pankal Bansal, directors of the Gurugram-based M3M Real Estate Group, who challenged their arrest for alleged money laundering. Justices AS Bopanna and Sanjay Kumar, comprising the bench, ordered the immediate release of both directors. This ruling highlights the court’s commitment to upholding justice and ensuring a fair investigation process.
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