Delhi excise policy case: SC questions ED over delay in probe, asks for case files before Kejriwal’s arrest

It questioned the ED on the time taken to probe the case and noted that the agency has taken two years to unearth something.

The bench also asked why relevant direct questions were not put to witnesses and accused in the case.

Also Read: Delhi excise policy scam: Court denies bail to BRS MLC K Kavitha

The arguments

Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing for the ED, said initially Kejriwal was not the focus of the investigation in the case and his role became clear at a later stage.

He said Kejriwal had stayed in a seven-star hotel during the 2022 Goa Assembly polls and part of the bills were allegedly paid by the Delhi government’s general administration department.

The bench was given a note by Raju in which he contradicted the submission of Kejriwal that the statements of approvers were suppressed by the probe agency.

The arguments in the matter are underway.

Excise policy case

Kejriwal was arrested on 21 March and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody.

The top court had issued a notice to the ED on 15 April and sought its response to Kejriwal’s plea against his arrest.

On 9 April, the Delhi High Court upheld Kejriwal’s arrest, saying there was no illegality and the ED was left with “little option” after he skipped repeated summonses and refused to join the investigation.

The case relates to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s now-scrapped excise policy for 2021-22.

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