News Brief
"Established Evidence Of Kickbacks Of Liquor Policy Used For AAP Election Campaign In Goa": ED Argues In Delhi High Court
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. (PTI)
Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday (3 April) argued in Delhi High Court that there is a prima facie case of money laundering against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national spokesperson Arvind Kejriwal.
The court was hearing Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal's petition against his arrest by the ED in liquor policy case. He was arrested on 21 March after skipping nine ED summons and then sent to judicial custody till 15 April.
ED was represented by Additional Solicitor General SV Raju. Here are the key highlights of his arguments:
1. Against Kejriwal's argument of no money found from his house, Raju said, "Finding of the actual proceeds of crime is irrelevant if we make out a case that you were involved in money laundering."
He accused Kejriwal of passing of this money of to others and hence no money was found. "He is actually involved and he is vicariously involved," Raju added.
2. Raju further alleged that the cash was given to large number of persons as it is not accounted for in the books of accounts. The ASG cited an AAP candidate as accepting that he was was given cash.
"Therefore we have located the money trail. Money can't be found but that doesn't mean money laundering offence didn't take place," Raju emphasised.
3. "We have established evidence shows that kickbacks was used for election campaign of AAP in Goa. Beneficiary was AAP. Offence is committed by AAP," the ASG said asserting that AAP's national convener Kejriwal is responsible for it.
4. The ASG alleged that those liquor companies, who didn't give kickbacks to AAP were asked to surrender licenses and those who favoured them were given spaces.
He cited example of Indo Spirit, who was granted wholesale license despite complaint of cartelisation. Even the complainant was allegedly forced to take back complaint.
5. Raju pointed out that no calculation was done as to why 5 per cent profit was made 12 per cent and drew the inference that the 7 percent portion was used for giving kickbacks.
"The fact that there is a scam is beyond doubt today. Howsoever hue and cry you make, its a fact that a scam was there," Raju said disregarding the allegations of timing of Kejriwal's arrest.
6. The ASG said that it took time for ED to reach Kejriwal as large number of digital devices destroyed and middleman like Vijay Nair were used.
He explained that AAP is being treated as a company under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) as it is an association of individuals.
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