NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate has detained three prominent leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in two separate hawala cases, invoking the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This crackdown has sent shockwaves through Delhi's political landscape. Among those apprehended are Manish Sisodia, the former deputy chief minister of Delhi, and Sanjay Singh, an AAP Rajya Sabha MP. They face allegations related to the controversial Delhi Excise Policy for 2021-22. Additionally, former Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain is accused of involvement in money laundering activities via four companies with purported links to him.
As the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections and Assembly Polls loom ahead, the arrest of these three key AAP figures raises questions about the motivations behind these actions by investigative agencies. Many observers are inclined to believe statements from the Opposition INDIA bloc, which suggest that these arrests are politically motivated. The ambiguity surrounding these detentions continues to be the subject of debate in various courts.
With AAP losing three influential leaders to ED arrests in just over a year, suspicions are mounting regarding whether the elected Delhi chief minister and AAP supremo, Arvind Kejriwal, may be the next target of the investigative agency.
Delhi Excise Policy Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) previously summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy Scam case. In April of this year, Kejriwal was called in as a witness, not as an accused, in the excise policy case.
In a surprising turn of events, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, who had not been named as an accused in the chargesheet filed by the ED, was arrested after the investigative agency conducted raids at his residence. These raids aimed to establish links between Singh and the accused-turned-approver, restaurateur Dinesh Arora.
Notably, BJP leaders Anurag Thakur and Sambit Patra have insinuated that one of the incarcerated AAP leaders might provide information incriminating Kejriwal, whom Thakur has labeled as the "kingpin" of corruption.
Delhi CM House Renovation Case
The opulent "Seesh Mahal," affectionately referred to by the BJP as the Delhi CM's official residence, garnered attention due to the substantial expenses incurred during its renovation. On September 27, the CBI initiated a preliminary inquiry into alleged "irregularities and misconduct" in the construction of a new official residence for Chief Minister Kejriwal.
The CBI's anti-corruption branch has requested records from the Public Works Department (PWD) pertaining to approvals, recommendations by officials, alteration details, tender documents, contractor bids, building plans approvals, and requests for upscale specifications such as modular kitchens, marble flooring, and ornamental work.
Defamation Case Involving PM Modi's Education Proof
In August, the Supreme Court dismissed CM Kejriwal's plea for relief in a defamation case brought by Gujarat University over his comments regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's educational qualifications.
The defamation suit was initiated by Gujarat University Registrar Piyush Patel against Arvind Kejriwal and Sanjay Singh after the Chief Information Commissioner's order to disclose PM Modi's degree was overturned by the Gujarat High Court. Kejriwal had raised questions about PM Modi's education qualifications on April 1, asking whether the "PM degree is fake." The Gujarat court imposed a fine of Rs. 25,000 against him.
Illegal Postering During Gujarat Polls
During the 2022 Assembly elections campaign in Goa, the Goa Police issued a notice to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. He was summoned to appear on April 27 in connection with the illegal posting of posters on public properties. This case was brought under section 41 (A) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
The unfolding events surrounding these legal challenges have put Delhi's political arena on edge, leaving many to ponder the fate of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the midst of these mounting controversies.
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