The Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh has been extended until October 13 by a Delhi court in connection with the excise policy case. This decision was made after the ED presented new findings during their investigation.
These new findings, as presented by the ED, relate to a claim made by a liquor businessman who alleged that a close associate of Singh demanded Rs 4 crore from him. The ED further claimed that the businessman informed them that the Rajya Sabha MP had issued numerous liquor licenses in exchange for “monetary considerations.”
The ED had sought an extension of Singh’s custody by five days, citing his non-cooperative behavior. They alleged that Singh did not disclose the location of his old phone and that new evidence against him had emerged, necessitating further interrogation.
Senior Advocate Rebecca John, representing Singh, countered in court,
“They have to answer for each day, each hour…”
She also highlighted the nature of the questions posed to Singh, such as,
“Why have I transferred Rs 10,000 to my wife… why have I received Rs 1 lakh from my mother.”
Addressing the agency’s claims of non-cooperation and withholding of information, John remarked,
“Police remand is not the norm but the exception… they have to make out a special case for it.”
She further argued that if Singh had intended to destroy evidence, he could have done so in the one-and-a-half years he had at his disposal.
While Special Judge MK Nagpal dismissed the agency’s non-cooperation argument to extend Singh’s custody, the court accepted the ED’s claim regarding the emergence of fresh facts during the investigation. Taking into account security concerns raised by Singh, Judge Nagpal directed the investigating officer to ensure Singh’s safety and security in all aspects.
Singh’s arrest followed a 10-hour search, culminating in his detention after the ED alleged that a transaction of Rs 2 crore took place at his North Avenue residence. His arrest was subsequent to being identified by businessman and co-accused Dinesh Arora, who turned approver in the ED case. The ED, in its remand application, labeled Singh as a “key conspirator” and stated,
“Sanjay Singh has exploited and gained illegal money/kickbacks, which is ‘Proceeds of Crime’ generated from the liquor policy (2021-22) scam… (he) has been part of the conspiracy of collecting kickbacks from liquor groups… (he) has a close relationship with Dinesh Arora since 2017 as revealed by Dinesh Arora as well as from his call records.”
The ED had previously alleged that Dinesh Arora handed over Rs 2 crore to Singh’s associate, Sarvesh Mishra, at the MP’s residence. The agency further claimed that its investigation unveiled that Singh assured alterations in the liquor policy through former cto favor specific businessmen.
The case continues to unfold, with further hearings scheduled for the coming days.
