The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of being involved in a "criminal conspiracy" related to the controversial Delhi Excise Policy. The CBI, in its latest charge sheet, claims that Kejriwal sought financial support for his party and enabled illegal payments through close associates. The policy, which was later scrapped amid corruption allegations, is said to have caused substantial financial losses to the government.
The CBI’s investigation report states that Kejriwal had a premeditated plan to privatize the excise policy when it was being developed under the leadership of co-accused Manish Sisodia. According to the agency, Kejriwal's close associate Vijay Nair played a key role by reaching out to stakeholders in the liquor industry and allegedly asking for bribes in exchange for favorable policy terms.
While AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) has denied these allegations, Kejriwal was arrested on June 26 while in Tihar Jail, in connection with a money laundering case tied to the same excise policy scandal. The Supreme Court's decision regarding his challenge to the CBI’s arrest is still pending.
Further details from the CBI indicate that Nair served as a middleman between Kejriwal and members of the so-called "South Group," led by co-accused and political leader K Kavitha. The investigation claims that a sum of ₹100 crore was exchanged in favor of adjusting the excise policy to benefit these groups.
Moreover, the CBI's report alleges that Kejriwal was directly involved in overseeing the transfer of this money to Goa through illegal channels for AAP’s election expenses in the state. Two former Goa legislators, who ran under AAP, reportedly received cash for their election campaigns.
According to the CBI, the excise policy led to the formation of an unlawful cartel between liquor manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. The accused conspirators are said to have violated legal provisions, leading to financial gains for those involved, while significantly harming the public treasury.
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