Kejriwal Faces New Trouble as LG Approves ED Prosecution in Liquor Policy Case

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21st Dec. Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has granted the Enforcement Directorate (ED) permission to prosecute former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam, sources revealed. This decision comes as Delhi heads toward crucial state elections, testingKejriwal’s political resilience following his party’s Lok Sabha election losses.

The ED had earlier registered a case under PMLA against Kejriwal, but the trial was stalled due to the requirement of the Lt Governor’s sanction. Following a Supreme Court directive mandating such approval for prosecuting government officials in money laundering cases, the ED sought clearance from the Chief Secretary.

The alleged liquor policy scam, a key point of criticism by the opposition BJP, led to Mr. Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21. After spending nearly six months in jail, he was released in September, during which he resigned as Chief Minister, promising to reclaim the position only if re-elected in the 2025 state elections.

The ED has accused Kejriwal and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia of manipulating the Excise Policy 2021-22 to benefit a “South lobby” in exchange for a ₹100 crore bribe. According to the ED, ₹45 crore of this amount was allegedly used for AAP’s Goa election campaign. Mr. Sisodia, who also faced charges in the case, was granted bail in August after spending 18 months in custody.

Kejriwal has appealed to the Delhi High Court to dismiss the chargesheet against him. The court has issued a notice to the ED in response to his plea.