Political Drama Unfolds As ED Names AAP MP Raghav Chadha In Liquor Policy Case

The case has created a political frenzy in Delhi, with the opposition accusing AAP of corruption and AAP claiming it is a politically motivated move by the central government to defame the party.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 2 May 2023 8:05 am

Raghav Chadha addresses media

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has named Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha in its second supplementary chargesheet in the Delhi liquor policy case. According to India Today, The chargesheet was filed in connection with the alleged scam in the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22 to grant licenses to liquor traders. The policy was later scrapped.

Manish Sisodia's former secretary, C Arvind, reportedly informed the ED that a meeting was held at the former Deputy Chief Minister's residence in which Chadha was present. Also present were Punjab Excise Commissioner Varun Roojam, Vijay Nair, an accused in the case, and other officers from Punjab Excise Directorate.

This change occurred a few days after Manish Sisodia was listed as an accused in the case by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI filed its first supplementary chargesheet before a Delhi court, alleging that the Delhi government's excise policy was designed to favour certain dealers who had allegedly paid bribes.

The party has denied the allegations and claimed that it is a politically motivated move by the central government to defame the party. Chadha has also denied any wrongdoing and has accused the central government of harassing AAP leaders.

The Delhi liquor policy case has been making headlines since it was first reported in June 2020. The Delhi government had set up a committee to investigate the allegations of irregularities in the excise policy. The committee submitted its report in September 2020, following which the policy was scrapped.

The case has caused a major political frenzy in Delhi, with opposition parties accusing the AAP of corruption. The AAP, on the other hand, has accused the central government of using the agencies to target the party.

The investigation into the case is still ongoing, and more developments are expected in the coming days. The case has raised questions about the transparency and accountability of government policies, the need for greater scrutiny of such policies as well as the independent functioning of investigating agencies.