Enforcement Directorate Summons Delhi Minister Kailash Gahlot in Liquor Policy Case

In the wake of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s recent arrest in connection with the liquor policy case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has now summoned Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot for questioning. Gahlot, a prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and MLA from Najafgarh, was called in by the ED on Sunday for his involvement in the matter.

The ED’s move follows the arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the probe agency on March 21 regarding the same case. Gahlot’s role has come under scrutiny as he was part of the panel responsible for drafting the now-defunct liquor policy of the Delhi government for the fiscal year 2021-22.

According to the Enforcement Directorate, the draft liquor policy was leaked to a group known as the ‘South Group’, and there are allegations that Gahlot permitted the then AAP communication in-charge Vijay Nair to use his official residence during the drafting process.

Furthermore, the ED has raised concerns about Gahlot’s frequent change of mobile numbers, adding another layer to the investigation.

Presently, Arvind Kejriwal remains in ED custody until April 1, following his appearance in court on March 28. Earlier, a Delhi court had remanded Kejriwal to ED custody till March 28 following his initial arrest.

In addition to Kejriwal, other prominent figures such as former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, former minister Satyendar Jain, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh have also been apprehended in connection with the liquor policy case.

The case revolves around allegations of corruption and money laundering related to the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s liquor policy. Both the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have accused the government of favoring certain liquor traders through the policy, purportedly allowing cartelization and showing bias towards those who allegedly paid bribes. These accusations have been strongly contested by the AAP.

Following the scandal, the liquor policy was scrapped, and Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended an investigation into the irregularities surrounding its creation and implementation.