Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Arrested by ED in Money Laundering Case: AAP Defined as a “Company” Under PMLA

Delhi’s Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday in connection with a money laundering case related to the state’s controversial 2021-22 excise policy. The ED, while defining the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a “company” under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), accused Kejriwal of using his position as CM to commit financial wrongdoing and benefit the AAP, of which he is the national convener.

According to the remand note presented by the ED in court, Kejriwal was not only the brain behind the AAP but also controlled its major activities. The agency alleged that he played a crucial role in formulating the excise policy to favor certain individuals and demanded kickbacks from liquor businessmen in exchange for favors. Moreover, the ED accused Kejriwal of being involved in the utilization of proceeds of crime amounting to ₹45 crore in the AAP’s election campaign during the Goa assembly elections in 2022.

Highlighting Kejriwal’s role as the national convener of the AAP, the ED asserted that he was intrinsically involved in the entire conspiracy of obtaining kickbacks and using them for political gains. The agency claimed that Kejriwal, being in charge of the AAP, was vicariously liable for the offense committed by the party under the PMLA.

Furthermore, the ED emphasized that Kejriwal used his position as CM to facilitate the offense of money laundering, citing his involvement in policy formulation and kickback schemes. The agency alleged that Kejriwal, in collusion with ministers of the Delhi government, AAP leaders, and others, conspired to formulate the excise policy to favor certain individuals and demanded kickbacks from liquor businessmen.

The ED also named AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak in its remand note, alleging his involvement in managing election campaign-related activities in Goa. The agency claimed that cash payments were made to individuals involved in the campaign, and the utilization of proceeds of crime was corroborated by statements from AAP candidates and volunteers.

Despite vigorous arguments from Kejriwal’s legal team, the court permitted his custodial interrogation, citing the necessity to unravel the complexities of the alleged money laundering and corruption. The judge granted ED custody of Kejriwal until March 28, allowing interrogation, confrontation with evidence, and medical treatment as per his requirements.

The arrest of Kejriwal marks another tumultuous day in Delhi’s political landscape, intensifying the ongoing conflict between the Union government and the AAP. The move has sparked protests from AAP supporters and criticism from opposition leaders, who decry it as vendetta politics.

In response to the allegations and plea for remand, Kejriwal’s legal team denied any direct evidence against him and argued against his arrest, citing lack of justification and political motivations. However, the court upheld the ED’s request for custody, emphasizing the need to trace the money trail and ascertain the involvement of the accused.

As the legal battle unfolds, the case against Kejriwal and the AAP will continue to draw attention and scrutiny, with implications for the political landscape of Delhi and beyond. It remains to be seen how the investigation progresses and whether justice is served in this high-profile case of alleged financial wrongdoing.