AAP leader and minister for Delhi, Kailash Gahlot, appeared before the Enforcement Directorate on Saturday over a matter involving liquor policy. The lawsuit concerns suspected money laundering and corruption during the development and implementation of the excise policy for 2021–2022 by the Delhi government, which was subsequently abandoned.
Gahlot, a 49-year-old Najafgarh MLA for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), is the minister of law, transport, and the home in the Delhi government, which is headed by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has been detained by the federal agency in connection with the case. Gahlot has reportedly been called to attend for questioning in the matter and to have his statement recorded in accordance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), according to the sources.
Days have passed since Arvind Kejriwal’s apprehension. In connection with the matter, the ED detained the AAP national convener on March 21 and placed him in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate until April 1. Kejriwal, according to the ED, was providing evasive answers and withholding passwords from his electronic gadgets.
In his court appearance, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, “Four witnesses have identified me in the excise policy case. Can a sitting CM be arrested with only four statements? He stated that the Aam Aadmi Party has built a smokescreen of corruption in front of the country and that he was prepared to face an investigation by the ED.