In a recent development after the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has now summoned Delhi’ Transport Minister and AAP leader, Kailash Gahlot, for further questioning in connection with the ongoing investigations into the liquor policy case. This move comes as a part of the agency’s development into the alleged money laundering related to the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s liquor policy.
Kailash Gahlot, is the Minister of Transport, Home, and Law in the Delhi Government. He has been asked to appear before ED today. This is the first time Kailash Gahlot has been called for questioning regarding the matter.
After the arrest of Delhi’s CM Arvind Kejriva on 21st March, ED’s investigation in the liquor policy has gained significant momentum. Kejriwal detention followed accusations of corruption and malpractice surrounding the government’s liquor policy, prompting the ED to dig deeper into the matter.
Gahlot’s involvement in the case stems from his role on a panel responsible for drafting the Delhi government’s liquor policy for the fiscal year 2021-22, which was later scrapped amidst allegation of impropriety. The Enforcement Directorate claims that the draft policy was leaked to a group known as the “South Group”, suggesting Gahlot involvement in the affair
Moreover, the probe agency contends that Kailash Gahlot permitted Vijay Nair, then AAP communication in-charge, to utilise his official residence during the drafting of the liquor policy. Additionally, the ED has raised concerns over Gahlot’s frequent changes to his mobile number, invoking attempts to evade scrutiny.
The ongoing investigation has already seen several high-profile arrests, including that of Arvind Kejriwal and other key AAP figures such as Manish Sisodia. Kejriwal is currently in ED’s custody until 1st April. He was remanded following a court appearance on March 28th. Similarly, Sisodia , along with former minister Satyendra Jain and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has been implicated in the case.
So far both the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has claimed that the Delhi government’s liquor policy entertained cartelization and favoured selected dealers who bribed officials for favourable treatment. However, these allegations have been boldly denied by AAP, who claimed that the policy was implemented with transparency and in the public interest. In response to the imminent pressure, the policy was ultimately revoked, and Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended an inquiry to confirm the irregularities surrounding its formulation and execution.
Further unfolding of events underscores the intensifying scrutiny surrounding governance in Delhi and raises questions about the ethical conduct of public officials. As the investigation proceeds, participation of important AAP figures will be further explored, affecting the political environment in the capital city.
Arrest of AAP’s prominent members and further summoning of Delhi’s transport minister Kailash Gahlot by Enforcement has added more layers of complexity to the existing situation of Delhi’s liquor policy scam.
