ed-alleges-cm-kejriwal-demanded-100-cr-bribe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has claimed to have proof that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal demanded a bribe of Rs 100 crore in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. This was revealed during a hearing at the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, where Kejriwal's judicial custody was extended until July 3.

 

The ED stated that it possesses evidence of Kejriwal's demand for kickbacks, tied to the now-withdrawn liquor policy. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju informed the court that it had acknowledged the chargesheet regarding allegations of money laundering in this case.

 

He emphasised that the denial of bail to co-accused, including former Delhi minister Manish Sisodia, indicated the court's recognition of the money laundering charges.

 

Raju pointed out that the court's acceptance of the money laundering charges suggested a prima facie case against Kejriwal. He mentioned that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe had uncovered the bribe demand, with evidence collected before Kejriwal's arrest. The Delhi Chief Minister attended the court session via video conference.

 

Kejriwal's defence, led by lawyer Vikram Chaudhary, argued that the AAP leader had not been named in any chargesheet filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

 

Chaudhary also noted that the CBI's FIR did not list Kejriwal as an accused. He suggested that the ED seemed to be prosecuting Kejriwal based on the CBI's findings rather than under PMLA.

 

Chaudhary further argued that the case was primarily based on witness statements from individuals who were arrested earlier and promised bail. He questioned the credibility of these witnesses, suggesting they were not reliable and had been enticed with promises of pardon.

 

Chaudhary highlighted that the case began in August 2022, with Kejriwal's arrest occurring in March 2024, just before elections, implying political motives behind the timing of the arrest.

 

This ongoing case has drawn significant attention, with both sides presenting their arguments on the matter of alleged corruption and political vendetta. The next hearing is scheduled for July 3, where further developments are expected.