Indus Valley Times

NEW DELHI, MAR 22 : The Enforcement Directorate, while seeking a 10-day custody of Arvind Kejriwal, told the court that the AAP supremo was the “kingpin of the liquor policy scam” even as the Delhi Chief Minister argued that there was no “direct evidence” linking him to the case.

The ED also said that Kejriwal, who was arrested on Thursday night amid high drama, was directly involved in framing the now-withdrawn liquor policy. Kejriwal, represented by senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, said there were no grounds for arrest as 80% of the people did not name the Delhi CM in their statements.

The ED told the court that Arvind Kejriwal, who became the first sitting CM to be arrested, was directly involved in the formulation of the policy. “The policy (excise) was made in such a manner that it enabled the taking of bribes,” the ED’s counsel told the court.

ARVIND KEJRIWAL ARREST: ED’S 5 BIG CHARGES

Appearing for the ED, Additional Solicitor General ASV Raju said Arvind Kejriwal was the key conspirator and the kingpin of the Delhi excise policy scam. The ED also said Kejriwal was in touch with Manish Sisodia, then deputy Chief Minister, the whole time.

The ED said that Kejriwal was directly involved in the formulation of the policy, and he was involved in the handling of the proceeds of crime. The proceeds of the crime were used for campaigning in Goa elections, the ED said. “We have traced the proceeds of the crime and taken statements of many persons involved in the Goa election campaign,” the ED said.

The probe agency said Arvind Kejriwal demanded kickbacks from the ‘South Group’ in exchange for favours. The ED’s counsel said in exchange for kickbacks, the ‘South Group’ got control of liquor businesses in Delhi.

The ED said Vijay Nair, AAP’s former communication head, acted as the middle man between South Group and the AAP. Vijay Nair was staying in a house near Kejriwal’s residence.

The ASG further said that the proceeds of crime were over Rs 600 crore. “Proceeds of crime is not only the Rs 100 crore bribe received, but also the profits made by the bribe payers, amounting to Rs 600 crore,” ASV Raju said.

WHAT ARVIND KEJRIWAL SAID IN DEFENCE

Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, said the ED had to show the necessity of the arrest. “The power of arrest is not equal to the need for arrest. Just because you have the power to arrest, does not mean you will arrest. The fact that you have the power does not mean you will exercise it,” Singhvi said.

Kejriwal’s lawyers also argued that 80% of the people have not named the AAP supremo in their statements. “The reason of arrest of one of the witnesses is non-cooperation, and he was arrested a day after he did not name Kejriwal,” Singhvi said.

Kejriwal also said there was no direct evidence linking him to the case except statements saying ‘I met Mr Kejriwal’. “If people are arrested and pardoned then they will definitely name anyone,” the senior advocate told the court.

-PTI