Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Tuesday took cognizance of the ED’s prosecution complaint (chargesheet), naming Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as accused in the excise policy case.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja issued production warrants for Kejriwal, directing him to appear before the court on July 12, 2024.
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) filed the seventh chargesheet in the case on May 17, alleging AAP and Kejriwal’s involvement. Kejriwal, who serves as the AAP National Convenor, was arrested by the ED on March 21.
Although granted bail by the trial court on 20th June, the order has been stayed by the High Court few days later. Shortly thereafter, he was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Currently, Kejriwal remains in judicial custody in both the CBI and ED cases.
The ED’s money laundering probe originates from a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2022, based on a complaint by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
The investigation alleges a criminal conspiracy involving AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, among others, aimed at creating loopholes in the Delhi Excise Policy of 2021-22 to benefit certain liquor sellers.