The Supreme Court and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asserted that “not a single rupee” was traced back to AAP in the Excise Policy Case. The recent affidavit filed by the ED opposing Kejriwal’s plea against his arrest in the Supreme Court was met with a rejoinder from the Chief Minister.
New Delhi: Today (April 27): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal filed a response to the Directorate of Enforcement’s (ED) affidavit in the Supreme Court, stating that there is no evidence linking the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to funds or kickbacks from the South group during the Goa election campaign.
In his response to the ED affidavit, Kejriwal emphasized that not a single rupee has been traced back to the AAP, and the allegations are baseless and unsubstantiated.
He stated,
“There exists no tangible evidence or material demonstrating that the AAP received funds or kickbacks from the South group, let alone utilized them in the Goa election campaign.
“Not a single rupee was traced back to the AAP, and the allegations put forth in this regard are devoid of any tangible evidence, rendering them vague and baseless without any corroboration.”
“No proof of even any cash payment was given. There exists no proof or material demonstrating that the AAP received funds or advanced kickbacks from the South group, let alone utilized them in the Goa election campaign.”
“Not a single rupee was traced back to the AAP, and the allegations put forth in this regard are devoid of any tangible evidence, rendering them vague and baseless without any corroboration.”
The recent affidavit filed by the ED opposing Kejriwal’s plea against his arrest in the Supreme Court was met with a rejoinder from the Chief Minister. Kejriwal accused the central agency of abusing its power of arrest, pointing out the timing of his arrest just before the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections and the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct. He stated that this indicates the arbitrary nature of the ED’s actions.
According to Kejriwal, the present case exemplifies how the ruling party-led central government has misused the ED’s powers under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to suppress its political opponent, the Aam Aadmi Party. He further argued that there is no material evidence indicating his involvement in any criminal activity related to the predicate offense, such as concealing, possessing, acquiring, or utilizing proceeds of crime.
“This timeline establishes the fact that Kejriwal has been arrested intentionally with a malafide intent without any necessity to arrest.” Chief Minister’s rejoinder
“The present case is a ‘classic case of how the ruling party-led central government has misused the central agency ED and its wide powers under PMLA to crush its biggest political opponent, the Aam Aadmi Party and its leaders.'” Chief Minister’s rejoinder
The affidavit also highlighted the alleged illegal arrest of a sitting Chief Minister and the National Convenor of one of the major opposition parties in India. Kejriwal emphasized that the arrest took place after the general elections were called and the Model Code of Conduct was in effect, creating prejudice against his political party and giving an unfair advantage to the ruling party.
“The affidavit asserts that the illegal arrest of the petitioner has compromised the pre-requisite for ‘free and fair elections,’ which is a level playing field.”
“The Chief Minister emphasized his consistent cooperation with the investigation and cited judgments by the apex court, affirming that non-cooperation does not warrant arrest.”
“Regarding the alleged ‘large-scale destruction of evidence’ cited by the ED as grounds for Kejriwal’s arrest, the affidavit pointed out the absence of any evidence implicating Kejriwal in such actions, thus dismissing this as meritless.”
“The rejoinder emphasized that the ED, lacking valid grounds, is resorting to frivolous and baseless claims to justify the illegal arrest of the petitioner.”
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Kejriwal reiterated his cooperation with the investigation and cited previous judgments by the apex court that emphasize that non-cooperation does not warrant arrest. He dismissed the ED’s claim of “large-scale destruction of evidence” as groundless and accused the agency of raising frivolous and fictitious justifications for his arrest.
“In his appeal to the apex court, Kejriwal argued that his arrest following the announcement of the general elections was driven by ulterior motives.”
“On April 9, the High Court dismissed his request for release from custody, rejecting his assertion of political vendetta amidst the approaching Lok Sabha elections.”
Kejriwal had approached the Supreme Court, challenging his arrest and subsequent remand by the ED in the excise policy case. The court had requested that the central agency respond to Kejriwal’s plea.
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The AAP leader argued that his arrest, occurring after the announcement of general elections, was motivated by extraneous considerations. However, the Delhi High Court had dismissed his plea for release, stating that his non-cooperation by ignoring ED summons undermined any claims of special privilege as Chief Minister.
Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED on March 21 was related to a money laundering investigation concerning alleged irregularities in the now-canceled Delhi excise policy for 2021–22.
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