In fresh trouble for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal ahead of Delhi election, the Union Home Ministry has given the go-ahead to the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute the former Chief Minister in a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped liquor policy.

Delhi Liquor Policy case: ED gets Centres nod to prosecute Kejriwal, Sisodia in excise policy case

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (August 27) granted conditional bail to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, who was arrested earlier this year in connection with the Delhi liquor policy scam. Kavitha, who was taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March, and by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) a month later, was released following a decision by a two-judge Supreme Court bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan.

Kavitha's arrest is part of a broader investigation into the Delhi liquor policy scam, which also implicates Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy, Manish Sisodia.&nbsp;

Sisodia, who was arrested in February last year, was granted bail earlier this month by the Supreme Court, which cited delays in the trial and the need to uphold his fundamental rights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-cbi-arrests-brs-leader-k-kavitha-over-delhi-liquor-policy-scam-710150">India: CBI arrests BRS leader K Kavitha in connection with Delhi liquor policy scam</a>

Kavitha is the second major opposition figure to get bail in this case. While Sisodia has been released, Kejriwal remains in jail, having secured bail in the ED case but not yet in the CBI case. The Supreme Court recently refused to grant him relief.

In their ruling, Justices Gavai and Viswanathan noted that Kavitha, like Sisodia, had already spent over five months in jail and that the trial was unlikely to commence soon, even though the investigation had concluded.&nbsp;

"We find the investigation is complete. As such, custody of the appellant is not necessary... she is in jail for five months and, as observed with Sisodia, the likelihood of trial in the near future is impossible," the bench stated.

The court also said that the law provides special consideration for women when reviewing bail applications. They referred to Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, which allows for the release of certain categories of accused individuals, including women, without meeting the standard twin requirements for bail.

Also watch |&nbsp;India: BRS leader K Kavitha remanded to ED custody till March 24

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The Supreme Court slammed the Delhi High Court for denying Kavitha's earlier bail plea on the grounds that she is an educated woman and a former Member of Parliament, and thus not a 'vulnerable' woman. The High Court had argued that her education and status precluded her from being considered for bail under the usual provisions for women.

Arguing that the High Court had "totally misapplied" the relevant section of the law, the Supreme Court asserted that courts must exercise judicial discretion appropriately when deciding such matters. "The court cannot say that merely because a woman is highly educated, or an MLA, [she] should be denied the benefit of bail," the bench said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (August 27) granted conditional bail to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, who was arrested earlier this year in connection with the Delhi liquor policy scam.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (August 27) granted conditional bail to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, who was arrested earlier this year in connection with the Delhi liquor policy scam. Kavitha, who was taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March, and by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) a month later, was released following a decision by a two-judge Supreme Court bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan. Kavitha's arrest is part of a broader investigation into the Delhi liquor policy scam, which also implicates Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his former deputy, Manish Sisodia. Sisodia, who was arrested in February last year, was granted bail earlier this month by the Supreme Court, which cited delays in the trial and the need to uphold his fundamental rights. Also read | India: CBI arrests BRS leader K Kavitha in connection with Delhi liquor policy scam Kavitha is the second major opposition figure to get bail in this case. While Sisodia has been released, Kejriwal remains in jail, having secured bail in the ED case but not yet in the CBI case. The Supreme Court recently refused to grant him relief. In their ruling, Justices Gavai and Viswanathan noted that Kavitha, like Sisodia, had already spent over five months in jail and that the trial was unlikely to commence soon, even though the investigation had concluded. "We find the investigation is complete. As such, custody of the appellant is not necessary... she is in jail for five months and, as observed with Sisodia, the likelihood of trial in the near future is impossible," the bench stated. The court also said that the law provides special consideration for women when reviewing bail applications. They referred to Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, which allows for the release of certain categories of accused individuals, including women, without meeting the standard twin requirements for bail. Also watch | India: BRS leader K Kavitha remanded to ED custody till March 24 × The Supreme Court slammed the Delhi High Court for denying Kavitha's earlier bail plea on the grounds that she is an educated woman and a former Member of Parliament, and thus not a 'vulnerable' woman. The High Court had argued that her education and status precluded her from being considered for bail under the usual provisions for women. Arguing that the High Court had "totally misapplied" the relevant section of the law, the Supreme Court asserted that courts must exercise judicial discretion appropriately when deciding such matters. "The court cannot say that merely because a woman is highly educated, or an MLA, [she] should be denied the benefit of bail," the bench said. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi liquor policy scam case: After Manish Sisodia, BRS leader K. Kavitha granted bail

Bharat Rasthra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha was on Thursday (Apr 11) arrested by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over her alleged involvement in a corruption case that is further connected to the Delhi excise policy scandal, said the officials.

Former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's daughter Kavitha was imprisoned in Delhi's Tihar Jail following her arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that took place on March 15.

After obtaining permission from a special court, the CBI officials&nbsp;interrogated Kavitha inside the jail over the WhatsApp chats that were recovered from co-accused Buchi Babu’s phone.

She was also questioned by the probe agency regarding the documents about a land deal in which&nbsp;Rs 100 crore was purportedly paid to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in kickbacks to sway the excise policy for Delhi to the advantage of a liquor lobby.&nbsp;

<h2>Kavitha pens note from jail to Delhi court</h2>

The BRS leader penned a note from prison on Tuesday (Apr 9) alleging that the probe by the central agencies has meddled with her reputation and has also invaded her privacy.

" Madam Justice, as the whole nation witnessed, the past two and a half years of "Never Ending", ED and CBI investigation has turned into a media trial. Being a woman politician, I am the most victimized in the process, severely denting my personal and political reputation. My personal mobile phone number was displayed on all television channels, directly invading my privacy," the letter stated.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aap-accuses-bjp-of-trying-to-finish-party-after-vigilance-department-fires-kejriwals-private-secretary-710102">AAP accuses BJP of trying to 'finish' party after Vigilance Department fires Kejriwal's private secretary</a>

"After two and a half years of failed investigation, ED arrested me on March 15, without any proof, just based on statements and right before the elections. Despite giving an undertaking of no coercive action in the Supreme Court, they arrested me," it added.

The letter further claimed that more than 90 per cent of the cases of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were filed against the opposition leaders and that the investigation is abruptly put to a halt once the accused joins the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

"On the floor of the Parliament, BJP leaders openly threaten opposition saying "Chup ho jaao, warna ED bhej dunga." In this dire situation, Madam Justice, the opposition parties are looking up to the judiciary with great hope to give us respite," Kavitha said in her letter.

"I have time and again cooperated with both the agencies. I have appeared before them four times. I have answered all their questions to the best of my knowledge and gave all my bank and business details. I will fully have cooperated with the agencies by submitting all of my mobile phones that the agencies blamed me for destroying. In the last two and a half years of investigation, both the agencies conducted multiple raids, physically and mentally harassed, threatened and arrested many people," she&nbsp;further alleged.

Kavitha was arrested following a raid at her Hyderabad residence by the ED in March.

(With inputs from agencies)

Bharat Rasthra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha was on Thursday (Apr 11) arrested by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over her alleged involvement in a corruption case that is further connected to the Delhi excise policy scandal, said the officials.

Bharat Rasthra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha was on Thursday (Apr 11) arrested by India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) over her alleged involvement in a corruption case that is further connected to the Delhi excise policy scandal, said the officials. Former Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao's daughter Kavitha was imprisoned in Delhi's Tihar Jail following her arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that took place on March 15. After obtaining permission from a special court, the CBI officials interrogated Kavitha inside the jail over the WhatsApp chats that were recovered from co-accused Buchi Babu’s phone. She was also questioned by the probe agency regarding the documents about a land deal in which Rs 100 crore was purportedly paid to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in kickbacks to sway the excise policy for Delhi to the advantage of a liquor lobby. Kavitha pens note from jail to Delhi court The BRS leader penned a note from prison on Tuesday (Apr 9) alleging that the probe by the central agencies has meddled with her reputation and has also invaded her privacy. " Madam Justice, as the whole nation witnessed, the past two and a half years of "Never Ending", ED and CBI investigation has turned into a media trial. Being a woman politician, I am the most victimized in the process, severely denting my personal and political reputation. My personal mobile phone number was displayed on all television channels, directly invading my privacy," the letter stated. Also read: AAP accuses BJP of trying to 'finish' party after Vigilance Department fires Kejriwal's private secretary "After two and a half years of failed investigation, ED arrested me on March 15, without any proof, just based on statements and right before the elections. Despite giving an undertaking of no coercive action in the Supreme Court, they arrested me," it added. The letter further claimed that more than 90 per cent of the cases of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were filed against the opposition leaders and that the investigation is abruptly put to a halt once the accused joins the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "On the floor of the Parliament, BJP leaders openly threaten opposition saying "Chup ho jaao, warna ED bhej dunga." In this dire situation, Madam Justice, the opposition parties are looking up to the judiciary with great hope to give us respite," Kavitha said in her letter. "I have time and again cooperated with both the agencies. I have appeared before them four times. I have answered all their questions to the best of my knowledge and gave all my bank and business details. I will fully have cooperated with the agencies by submitting all of my mobile phones that the agencies blamed me for destroying. In the last two and a half years of investigation, both the agencies conducted multiple raids, physically and mentally harassed, threatened and arrested many people," she further alleged. Kavitha was arrested following a raid at her Hyderabad residence by the ED in March. (With inputs from agencies)

India: CBI arrests BRS leader K Kavitha in connection with Delhi liquor policy scam

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed to the Supreme Court's dismissal of his plea contesting his detention by the Enforcement Directorate in the Excise Policy money laundering case. Watch to know.

Delhi Liquor policy case: Arvind Kejriwal moves Supreme Court against arrest

The Supreme Court granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh in the Delhi excise policy case on Tuesday, after the Enforcement Directorate told the top court that it has "no objection" to his bail.

Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh walks out of jail after 6 months, vows to challenge BJP

AAP MP Sanjay Singh gets bail after six months in jail in Delhi Liquor Policy case

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Apr 2) granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh in the Delhi liquor policy case.&nbsp;

A bench of the apex court, as per reports, directed that Singh be released on bail on terms and conditions set by the trial court.&nbsp;

"We direct that Sanjay Singh be released on bail on terms and conditions fixed by the trial court. We clarify that the concession given today will not be treated as a precedence. He will be allowed to continue with his political activities." 
 
The ED had said that it does&nbsp;not object to granting bail to Singh during the pendency of proceedings under sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

<h2>Sanjay Singh in jail since October 2023</h2>

The bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Dipankar Datta, and Justice P B Varale questioned the Enforcement Directorate (ED) about the need for further custody of Singh.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-aap-leader-atishi-claims-was-told-join-bjp-or-else-ahead-of-2024-lok-sabha-election-706799">Watch | AAP leader Atishi claims was told join BJP 'or else...', ruling party reacts</a>

Hearing Singh's plea challenging his arrest and remand by the ED, the Supreme Court noted that Singh had already spent six months in jail.

The bench told Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, appearing on behalf of the ED, that no money had been recovered from Singh's possession and suggested that the allegation of him receiving a ₹2 crore ($239,887) bribe could be examined during the trial.&nbsp;

Singh was arrested by the ED on October 4 last year.

Previously, in the high court, the AAP leader had applied for bail, citing that he had been in custody for over three months and that no role had been attributed to him in the predicate offence.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/arvind-kejriwal-in-tihar-jail-new-bank-account-five-visitors-medical-check-ups-and-more-706813">Arvind Kejriwal turns Undertrial no. 670: With books, bank account and medical check ups</a>

However, the probe agency ED at the time opposed Singh's bail plea, alleging his involvement in acquiring, possessing, concealing, dissipating, and using proceeds of crime related to the Delhi liquor scam during the 2021-22 policy period.&nbsp;

The ED also claimed that Singh had illicitly gained money or kickbacks from the liquor policy scam and had conspired with others.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Apr 2) granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh in the Delhi liquor policy case. A bench of the apex court, as per reports, directed that Singh be released on bail on terms and conditions set by the trial court.

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday (Apr 2) granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh in the Delhi liquor policy case. A bench of the apex court, as per reports, directed that Singh be released on bail on terms and conditions set by the trial court. "We direct that Sanjay Singh be released on bail on terms and conditions fixed by the trial court. We clarify that the concession given today will not be treated as a precedence. He will be allowed to continue with his political activities." The ED had said that it does not object to granting bail to Singh during the pendency of proceedings under sections 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Sanjay Singh in jail since October 2023 The bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice Dipankar Datta, and Justice P B Varale questioned the Enforcement Directorate (ED) about the need for further custody of Singh. Also read | Watch | AAP leader Atishi claims was told join BJP 'or else...', ruling party reacts Hearing Singh's plea challenging his arrest and remand by the ED, the Supreme Court noted that Singh had already spent six months in jail. The bench told Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, appearing on behalf of the ED, that no money had been recovered from Singh's possession and suggested that the allegation of him receiving a ₹2 crore ($239,887) bribe could be examined during the trial. Singh was arrested by the ED on October 4 last year. Previously, in the high court, the AAP leader had applied for bail, citing that he had been in custody for over three months and that no role had been attributed to him in the predicate offence. Also read | Arvind Kejriwal turns Undertrial no. 670: With books, bank account and medical check ups However, the probe agency ED at the time opposed Singh's bail plea, alleging his involvement in acquiring, possessing, concealing, dissipating, and using proceeds of crime related to the Delhi liquor scam during the 2021-22 policy period. The ED also claimed that Singh had illicitly gained money or kickbacks from the liquor policy scam and had conspired with others. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi liquor policy case: Supreme Court grants bail to AAP MP Sanjay Singh after ED says it has no objection

The Delhi high court on Wednesday (March 27) denied&nbsp;interim relief to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who is in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate as the court only issued notices regarding Kejriwal's plea and posted the matter for further hearing on April 3.

A bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued a notice to the ED on Arvind Kejriwal's plea seeking immediate release and declaring his arrest and remand as illegal and asked the agency to reply by April 2.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/exclusive-india-slams-us-over-remarks-on-arvind-kejriwals-arrest-704744">India summons US diplomat over Washington's statement on Kejriwal's arrest</a>

The High Court dismissed the argument presented by senior advocate AM Singhvi, who represented Kejriwal, contending that no response from the ED was necessary. Emphasising its obligation to impartially hear both parties in accordance with the principles of natural justice, the court asserted that the ED's reply is indispensable and pivotal for adjudicating the current case.

<h2>Allegations and legal actions</h2>

Previously, Kejriwal had approached the high court to annul all proceedings, including several summons, issued against him. He faces accusations of corruption and money laundering related to the formulation and implementation of Delhi's excise policy for 2021-22, subsequently revoked. Notably, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)&nbsp;leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are already under judicial custody in the same case.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/excise-police-case-what-are-the-options-available-for-arrested-delhi-cm-arvind-kejriwal-702825">Also read |&nbsp;Excise policy case: What are the options available for arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal?</a>

The ED's allegations assert that the accused collaborated with Kejriwal in devising the excise policy, which allegedly provided undue advantages to them in exchange for kickbacks to the AAP.

The arrest sparked political turmoil, with AAP leaders and supporters attempting to march towards the Prime Minister's residence. Meanwhile, the BJP staged counter-protests&nbsp; demanding Kejriwal's resignation.

Despite being in ED custody, Kejriwal issued directives to Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj to address medicine and diagnostic test shortages at mohalla clinics and hospitals in the city. This was the second directive issued by the chief minister while in ED custody.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-high-court-denies-urgent-listing-of-plea-filed-by-kejriwal-challenging-his-arrest-703601">Delhi High Court denies urgent listing of plea filed by Kejriwal challenging his arrest</a>

Security measures have been intensified across the national capital, with police deployments around key locations. Approximately 100 people, including AAP leaders and Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains, were detained during the protests, only to be later released. The BJP also staged protests near Delhi Secretariat, resulting in detentions and the use of water cannons by police to disperse the crowd.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Delhi high court on Wednesday (March 27) denied interim relief to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who is in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate as the court only issued notices regarding Kejriwal's plea and posted the matter for further hearing on April 3.

The Delhi high court on Wednesday (March 27) denied interim relief to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who is in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate as the court only issued notices regarding Kejriwal's plea and posted the matter for further hearing on April 3. A bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued a notice to the ED on Arvind Kejriwal's plea seeking immediate release and declaring his arrest and remand as illegal and asked the agency to reply by April 2. Also read: India summons US diplomat over Washington's statement on Kejriwal's arrest The High Court dismissed the argument presented by senior advocate AM Singhvi, who represented Kejriwal, contending that no response from the ED was necessary. Emphasising its obligation to impartially hear both parties in accordance with the principles of natural justice, the court asserted that the ED's reply is indispensable and pivotal for adjudicating the current case. Allegations and legal actions Previously, Kejriwal had approached the high court to annul all proceedings, including several summons, issued against him. He faces accusations of corruption and money laundering related to the formulation and implementation of Delhi's excise policy for 2021-22, subsequently revoked. Notably, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are already under judicial custody in the same case. Also read | Excise policy case: What are the options available for arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal? The ED's allegations assert that the accused collaborated with Kejriwal in devising the excise policy, which allegedly provided undue advantages to them in exchange for kickbacks to the AAP. The arrest sparked political turmoil, with AAP leaders and supporters attempting to march towards the Prime Minister's residence. Meanwhile, the BJP staged counter-protests demanding Kejriwal's resignation. Despite being in ED custody, Kejriwal issued directives to Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj to address medicine and diagnostic test shortages at mohalla clinics and hospitals in the city. This was the second directive issued by the chief minister while in ED custody. Also Read: Delhi High Court denies urgent listing of plea filed by Kejriwal challenging his arrest Security measures have been intensified across the national capital, with police deployments around key locations. Approximately 100 people, including AAP leaders and Punjab minister Harjot Singh Bains, were detained during the protests, only to be later released. The BJP also staged protests near Delhi Secretariat, resulting in detentions and the use of water cannons by police to disperse the crowd. (With inputs from agencies)

No interim relief for Arvind Kejriwal from Delhi High Court, next hearing on April 3

The Enforcement Directorate on Friday arrested BRS MLC and KCR's daughter K Kavitha in the Delhi liquor scam case. According to reports, Kavitha is being brought to Delhi by the ED. Watch in for more details!

India: ED arrests former Telangana CM's daughter K Kavitha in Delhi liquor policy case

BRS leader K Kavitha arrested by ED in Delhi liquor policy case

The Central Bureau of Investigation came knocking on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's door in the liquor policy case that has ravaged the Delhi government for months now. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was arrested in February in the excise case over allegations of corruption in the formulation and implementation of the liquor policy for 2021-22. Sisodia held the excise portfolio and several other ministries in the Delhi government. Kejriwal was questioned by the CBI for over nine hours on Sunday. He was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other party leaders. After the questioning got over, Kejriwal said that the probe agency does not have any bit of evidence against the Aam Aadmi Party government that "it has committed any wrong in the framing of now scrapped new excise policy."&nbsp;

What is the Delhi Excise policy case?

The Excise policy was framed on the recommendations of an expert committee and came into force on November 17, 2021. The policy was aimed at increasing government revenues and also ending the liquor mafia’s influence and black marketing. Under the new policy, open bidding was conducted for 849 liquor vends which were awarded to private companies. The city was divided into 32 zones, each allotted a maximum of 27 vends. There were no individual licences and the bidding was done zone-by-zone.

The city government's role in the liquor business ended with the new excise policy. The government was left with no control over the sale of liquor in the capital. While the government said the policy would lead to equal distribution of liquor vends in the city, several social, educational and religious groups weren't happy with it. That it was implemented in the middle of the second Covid wave made things worse for the Delhi government. The policy was rolled back in July 2022 and the old liquor policy came into force once again.&nbsp;

What is the controversy?

The controversy over the liquor policy started when allegations started swirling that the AAP government used the policy to extend undue financial favours to the liquor licensees, much after the tenders had been awarded, thus causing huge losses to the exchequer. The CBI is probing allegations that the liquor policy gave undue advantages to private retailers. The CBI also says that corruption in the matter goes to the "highest levels" in Kejriwal's government. It has claimed crores in kickbacks were paid for favours in the policy and the funds were used by the AAP for its election campaign in Goa last year.

A July 8 report by the Chief Secretary of Delhi last year also showed prima facie violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR) 1993, Delhi Excise Act 2009 and Delhi Excise Rules 2010.

Following the report, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered a probe into the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. He recommended a CBI probe on July 22, 2022, into the alleged rule violations and other wrongdoings in the implementation of the excise policy.

Manish Sisodia's arrest

The above report alleged that “Minister In-charge of the Excise Department, Manish Sisodia, took and got executed, major decisions/actions”, which were “in violation of the statutory provisions and the notified Excise Policy that had huge financial implications.”

“It was done so with the sole aim of benefitting private liquor barons in lieu of financial benefits to individuals at the highest echelons of the government leading up to the Minister-in-charge of Excise &amp; Finance, Manish Sisodia,” the report said.

In August, the CBI registered an FIR in a special court that mentioned crores were allegedly paid to close associates of Sisodia by Sameer Mahendru, the owner of Indospirits. The liquor trader had been actively involved in irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy.

Former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia's arrest has been the most high-profile arrest in the matter to date. His judicial custody was extended till May 1 on Monday in the now-scrapped excise policy. Sisodia was produced physically on Monday before the Court from Tihar Jail after the end of his judicial custody period. Earlier on April 3, the same court extended Sisodia`s judicial custody till April 17. Sisodia was arrested on February 26 by the CBI which is probing alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The following month, Sisodia was arrested while still in jail by the Enforcement Directorate which is probing allegations of money laundering in the case.

Kejriwal's questioning

The CBI &nbsp;recorded Kejriwal's statement in connection with the Excise policy case on Sunday and will verify and collate it with the "available evidence". A statement by the CBI said that the Chief Minister of Delhi was issued a notice under section 160 Cr.P.C for his examination in this case. The agency said that is had uncovered fresh evidence in the matter and there are grounds for the CM to be questioned.&nbsp;

"The entire alleged liquor scam is false and is out of bad politics. AAP is 'kattar imaandaar party'. They want to finish AAP but the country's people are with us," Kejriwal said after the questioning.&nbsp;

The Chief Minister added that he has not been summoned again.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Central Bureau of Investigation came knocking on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's door in the liquor policy case that has ravaged the Delhi government for months now.

The Central Bureau of Investigation came knocking on Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's door in the liquor policy case that has ravaged the Delhi government for months now. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was arrested in February in the excise case over allegations of corruption in the formulation and implementation of the liquor policy for 2021-22. Sisodia held the excise portfolio and several other ministries in the Delhi government. Kejriwal was questioned by the CBI for over nine hours on Sunday. He was accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and other party leaders. After the questioning got over, Kejriwal said that the probe agency does not have any bit of evidence against the Aam Aadmi Party government that "it has committed any wrong in the framing of now scrapped new excise policy." What is the Delhi Excise policy case? The Excise policy was framed on the recommendations of an expert committee and came into force on November 17, 2021. The policy was aimed at increasing government revenues and also ending the liquor mafia’s influence and black marketing. Under the new policy, open bidding was conducted for 849 liquor vends which were awarded to private companies. The city was divided into 32 zones, each allotted a maximum of 27 vends. There were no individual licences and the bidding was done zone-by-zone. The city government's role in the liquor business ended with the new excise policy. The government was left with no control over the sale of liquor in the capital. While the government said the policy would lead to equal distribution of liquor vends in the city, several social, educational and religious groups weren't happy with it. That it was implemented in the middle of the second Covid wave made things worse for the Delhi government. The policy was rolled back in July 2022 and the old liquor policy came into force once again. What is the controversy? The controversy over the liquor policy started when allegations started swirling that the AAP government used the policy to extend undue financial favours to the liquor licensees, much after the tenders had been awarded, thus causing huge losses to the exchequer. The CBI is probing allegations that the liquor policy gave undue advantages to private retailers. The CBI also says that corruption in the matter goes to the "highest levels" in Kejriwal's government. It has claimed crores in kickbacks were paid for favours in the policy and the funds were used by the AAP for its election campaign in Goa last year. A July 8 report by the Chief Secretary of Delhi last year also showed prima facie violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR) 1993, Delhi Excise Act 2009 and Delhi Excise Rules 2010. Following the report, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena ordered a probe into the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. He recommended a CBI probe on July 22, 2022, into the alleged rule violations and other wrongdoings in the implementation of the excise policy. Manish Sisodia's arrest The above report alleged that “Minister In-charge of the Excise Department, Manish Sisodia, took and got executed, major decisions/actions”, which were “in violation of the statutory provisions and the notified Excise Policy that had huge financial implications.” “It was done so with the sole aim of benefitting private liquor barons in lieu of financial benefits to individuals at the highest echelons of the government leading up to the Minister-in-charge of Excise & Finance, Manish Sisodia,” the report said. In August, the CBI registered an FIR in a special court that mentioned crores were allegedly paid to close associates of Sisodia by Sameer Mahendru, the owner of Indospirits. The liquor trader had been actively involved in irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy. Former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia's arrest has been the most high-profile arrest in the matter to date. His judicial custody was extended till May 1 on Monday in the now-scrapped excise policy. Sisodia was produced physically on Monday before the Court from Tihar Jail after the end of his judicial custody period. Earlier on April 3, the same court extended Sisodia`s judicial custody till April 17. Sisodia was arrested on February 26 by the CBI which is probing alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of the excise policy of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The following month, Sisodia was arrested while still in jail by the Enforcement Directorate which is probing allegations of money laundering in the case. Kejriwal's questioning The CBI recorded Kejriwal's statement in connection with the Excise policy case on Sunday and will verify and collate it with the "available evidence". A statement by the CBI said that the Chief Minister of Delhi was issued a notice under section 160 Cr.P.C for his examination in this case. The agency said that is had uncovered fresh evidence in the matter and there are grounds for the CM to be questioned. "The entire alleged liquor scam is false and is out of bad politics. AAP is 'kattar imaandaar party'. They want to finish AAP but the country's people are with us," Kejriwal said after the questioning. The Chief Minister added that he has not been summoned again. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: All you need to know about the Delhi liquor policy case

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