ED explores options after CM Arvind Kejriwal says no to summon for fourth time
New Delhi : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is examining its options after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal refused to appear for questioning for the fourth time in the alleged Delhi liquor scam case. CM Kejriwal, who has been at loggerheads with the BJP-led central government, has cited various reasons for not complying with the summons, including his busy schedule and ongoing assembly session.
The ED, which is investigating alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi excise policy, is now considering issuing a questionnaire to Kejriwal or recording his statement at his official residence. The agency may also approach the Supreme Court seeking directions on the matter.
CM Arvind Kejriwal has maintained that the ED summons are politically motivated and an attempt to target him and his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. AAP has alleged that the central government is misusing investigative agencies to harass its political opponents.
He had skipped the three previous summons on November 2, December 22, and on January 3.
The Delhi liquor scam case came to light in July 2022 after the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi recommended a CBI probe into alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the Delhi excise policy. The ED later took over the investigation.
The AAP government had introduced a new excise policy in November 2021, which privatized the retail liquor trade in the national capital. However, the policy was rolled back in July 2022 following allegations of cartelisation and favouritism to certain liquor companies.
The ED has so far arrested several people in connection with the case, including the former Delhi excise commissioner and several businessmen.
The standoff between Kejriwal and the ED is likely to intensify in the coming days, with both sides refusing to back down. The Supreme Court's intervention may be required to resolve the impasse.
