New Delhi, July 29, 2024 — The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed a supplementary chargesheet against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with a money-laundering probe involving the controversial excise policy. The chargesheet was submitted to the Rouse Avenue Court on Monday.
The CBI alleges that Kejriwal played a central role in the scandal, specifically accusing him of orchestrating an increase in profit margins for liquor wholesalers from 5 percent to 12 percent. This alleged policy change is claimed to have unjustly benefited certain liquor producers and traders.
Earlier in May, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had also charged Kejriwal in a comprehensive 200-page document. Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED on March 21 led to his temporary release on bail by the Supreme Court. However, he was later re-arrested by the CBI in connection with related charges.
The CBI’s latest chargesheet includes allegations against Vijay Nair, the former media in-charge of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and a close associate of Kejriwal. Nair is accused of facilitating interactions between Kejriwal and liquor traders. According to the chargesheet, Kejriwal was responsible for all critical decisions related to the liquor policy, which were later approved by the Cabinet led by him.