The Central Bureau of Investigation has accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of trying to “politically sensationalize” the ongoing liquor policy case, in which he is seeking bail.
During a Supreme Court hearing, the CBI claimed that while Kejriwal does not hold any ministerial portfolio, he played a key role in the formulation of the controversial 2021-22 excise policy, allegedly in connivance with former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
The CBI, in its affidavit, alleged that Kejriwal manipulated the policy to favor certain groups, enhancing profit margins for wholesalers from 5% to 12% in return for illegal payments meant for AAP’s election expenses in Goa. The affidavit also accused Kejriwal of being evasive during his questioning and failing to provide satisfactory answers about the transactions and decisions related to the policy.
The Supreme Court has given the CBI additional time to file its response and set the next hearing for September 5. The case stems from allegations of corruption and irregularities in the excise policy, which was scrapped in 2022 following an order by Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor for a CBI investigation.
