Delhi Minister and AAP Leader Kailash Gahlot Summoned by Enforcement Directorate in Money Laundering Case Related to Liquor Policy
Kailash Gahlot, a prominent figure in the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and currently serving as the minister for home, transport, and law in the Delhi government, has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for questioning in connection with an alleged money laundering case. This case is linked to the Delhi liquor policy, which has garnered significant attention in recent days.
Mr. Gahlot wasted no time and promptly appeared at the probe agency's office following the summons. This development follows closely on the heels of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest in the same case, indicating heightened scrutiny and legal action surrounding the matter.
According to ED sources, Mr. Gahlot has been called in to provide his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) regarding the alleged corruption and money laundering activities associated with formulating and implementing the Delhi government's excise policy for the fiscal year 2021-22, which was ultimately annulled.
The ED's investigation alleges that the aforementioned policy led to disproportionately high profit margins, particularly a staggering 185% for retailers and 12% for wholesalers. A portion of this illicit gain, amounting to over ?600 crore, is purported to have been used as bribes and channeled into the election campaigns in Goa and Punjab, with the AAP and its leaders allegedly receiving kickbacks totaling ?100 crore.
Furthermore, the ED's chargesheet includes accusations that Mr. Gahlot engaged in dubious mobile phone activities, utilizing a single SIM number but changing the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) thrice.
This development underscores the gravity of the allegations surrounding the Delhi liquor policy case, with several high-profile AAP leaders, including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, MP Sanjay Singh, and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, facing legal consequences. Additionally, K Kavitha, a leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, has also been incarcerated in connection with this matter.