In the ongoing investigation into the Delhi Excise Policy case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has turned its attention to yet another minister in Delhi, Kailash Gahlot. Following the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the ED has conducted extensive questioning of Delhi’s Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot for nearly five hours on Saturday.
After being questioned by the ED in connection with the money laundering case linked to the Delhi Excise Policy, Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot stated, “Whatever questions were asked to me, I answered all of them… The government bungalow was allotted to me in Civil Lines, but I have always…”
Kailash Gahlot’s Interrogation by ED: Reasons and Statements
Kailash Gahlot was part of the group of ministers, along with former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and former Urban Development Minister Satyendar Jain, responsible for preparing and implementing the new liquor policy for 2021-22. The ED has also alleged in its charge sheet that Gahlot had only one SIM number, but his International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) was changed three times. The mention of Gahlot’s name in the charge sheet and his association with the case is in reference to the arrest of AAP communications in-charge Vijay Nair, who was residing in the government bungalow allotted to Gahlot. Gahlot resides in Najafgarh, South West Delhi.
Investigation into Rs 100 Crore Bribery Case: ED’s Allegations
The ED has alleged that the South Group paid a bribe of Rs 100 crore to AAP and its leaders for liquor license approvals under the excise policy. Kavita, a leader of the Bharatiya Rashtriya Samiti (BRS), was reportedly part of the “South Group.” The case is related to alleged corruption and money laundering in preparing and implementing the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22. The controversial excise policy of the Delhi government was later revoked.
Recommendation for CBI Probe by Delhi LG V.K. Saxena
Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena recommended a CBI investigation into alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of the liquor policy. Subsequently, the ED registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh were previously arrested by the ED in this case and are currently in judicial custody. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED in the money laundering case on March 21 and remains in custody until April 1.
