Arvind Kejriwal used his position as CM to benefit AAP, says ED in court
Hindustan TimesNew Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal used his position as the chief minister of Delhi to commit a money laundering offence and benefit his party - the Aam Aadmi Party - of which he is the national convener, making him and the party liable to be prosecuted, the Enforcement Directorate said on Friday while defining AAP as a “company” under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Delhi cheif minister Arvind Kejriwal at Rouse Avenue court following his ED arrest Terming him not only the brain behind the AAP but also someone who controls its major activities, ED said in its remand note while producing the CM before a court that at the time of the commission of an offence under PMLA in the Delhi excise policy 2021-22, Kejriwal was “in-charge of and responsible for the said ‘company’ i.e. AAP and therefore, irrespective of his role and liability for the direct commission of the said offence, he is also vicariously liable for the offence committed by the AAP, being the national convener of the said party and because of his role and active involvement in the day to day affairs and the conduct for the business of AAP.” Calling him the “kingpin” and “key conspirator”, ED has said Kejriwal, in collusion with ministers of the Delhi government, AAP leaders and other persons, was involved in the conspiracy of formulation of the excise policy 2021-22 to favour certain persons and also involved in the demanding kickbacks from liquor businessmen in exchange of favours. “The said offence of money laundering has taken place with the consent or connivance and or is attributable to Kejriwal, who is the national convenor and is also the chief minister of Delhi,” ED states.