The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that during questioning in the liquor policy case, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal mentioned Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and state ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj. The probe agency claims that Kejriwal stated that Vijay Nair did not directly report to him but to Atishi Marlena and Saurabh Bharadwaj. Kejriwal also indicated that his interactions with Vijay Nair were limited. 

Vijay Nair, the former communication-in-charge of the AAP and one of the accused in the liquor policy case, is implicated due to his role during the period when the alleged scam occurred, which coincides with his tenure in the party. AAP leader Jasmine Shah reacted to the ED's assertion, finding it amusing. Shah pointed out that Vijay Nair had previously stated that he did not report directly to Arvind Kejriwal when he was initially detained. 

Jasmine Shah remarked, "Vijay Nair made this statement when he was detained. He clearly stated that he doesn't report to the Chief Minister but to Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj. So, the question arises: why is the ED bringing up the same statement after one and a half years?" 

Meanwhile, when questioned by media at the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi about her involvement in the case, Atishi declined to comment and continued walking. 

The case, under investigation by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the ED, revolves around alleged corruption during the development of a liquor policy by the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government. 

In its chargesheet, the ED accused Nair of serving as a mediator for the 'South Group,' which purportedly provided Rs 100 crore in kickbacks to the Kejriwal government to secure entry into the liquor retail sector in Delhi. 

As per the ED, the accused Sameer Mahendru informed agency officials that Nair arranged a meeting with Kejriwal for him. When the meeting couldn't be arranged, Nair facilitated a video call between Mahendru and the Chief Minister. 

The probe agency has claimed that during the video call, Arvind Kejriwal assured Sameer that Nair was trustworthy and instructed him to continue dealing with Vijay. Nair was previously arrested by both the CBI and the ED in connection with the case and remains in custody. 

ED officials suspect Nair's involvement in a broader conspiracy, with their investigation indicating collusion between Nair and Kejriwal. In addition to Arvind Kejriwal, senior AAP leaders Satyendar Jain, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh have also been arrested and are currently in detention. 

On 1st April 2024, the Rouse Avenue Court ordered the Delhi Chief Minister to 14 days of judicial custody. During the court proceedings, the Enforcement Directorate informed the court that Kejriwal was uncooperative during interrogation. 

The probe agency stated in its application that Arvind Kejriwal avoided answering questions regarding why Nair operated from the Chief Minister's Camp office, citing ignorance about the individuals working there. 

"He refused to disclose the passwords for his digital devices... His behaviour was completely uncooperative. He is withholding his phone and is intentionally obstructing the investigation by providing evasive responses." 

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21 and was initially remanded to the custody of the federal agency until March 28. His custody was extended by four days, which concluded today. 

Image Source: NDTV