 "Police officers escort Chief Minister of Delhi and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal as he leaves the court after a hearing in New Delhi, India March 28, 2024. REUTERS/File Photo")
In connection to the Delhi excise policy scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed its final chargesheet Monday, bringing into sharp focus the alleged involvement of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other high-profile people.
As the investigation reaches its climax, the chargesheet reveals a web of alleged corruption, kickbacks, and political maneuvering that could have far-reaching implications. Here’s a breakdown of the top ten major points from this pivotal chargesheet that outlines the serious accusations against those involved.
Final Chargesheet: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has concluded its investigation into the alleged Delhi excise policy scam, filing its final chargesheet against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and five others.
Accused Individuals: Along with Kejriwal, the chargesheet names AAP MLA Durgesh Pathak, Aurobindo Pharma’s non-executive director P. Sarath Chandra Reddy, Buddy Retail Pvt Ltd director Amit Arora, alleged hawala operator Vinod Chauhan, and businessman Ashish Mathur.
Previous Chargesheets: Before this final chargesheet, the CBI had filed a main chargesheet and four supplementary ones, charging 15 others including former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Telangana MLC K. Kavitha.
Meeting with Magunta Reddy: The CBI alleges that liquor businessman Magunta Sreenivasalu Reddy met Kejriwal on March 16, 2021, at the Delhi Secretariat, requesting support for his liquor business.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAlleged Support from Kejriwal: According to the chargesheet, Kejriwal assured Reddy of support and directed him to approach K. Kavitha, who was working on the Excise Policy for Delhi.
Request for Funds: The chargesheet alleges that Kejriwal instructed Reddy to provide financial support to his party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
Kickbacks Alleged: The CBI claims that kickbacks of approximately ₹90-100 crore were paid in advance to AAP politicians and public servants by individuals from the liquor business to influence the Excise Policy 2021-22.
Return of Kickbacks: It is alleged that these kickbacks were later returned from the profits of wholesalers holding L-1 licenses, through various means such as excess credit notes and bank transfers.
Cartel Formation: The chargesheet alleges the formation of a cartel among liquor manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, which violated policy provisions and led to significant financial losses.
Criminal Conspiracy: The CBI asserts that all accused actively participated in the conspiracy, resulting in substantial losses to the government and undue financial gains for the conspirators.