11th October 2023,Mumbai: Sanjay Singh, a prominent member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has found himself at the center of controversy as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) extended his custody until October 13. This extension comes in the wake of his arrest on October 4, following raids at his residence, in connection with a money laundering case linked to the now-defunct Delhi liquor excise policy 2020-21.
The Arrest and ED’s Allegations
Sanjay Singh’s arrest by the ED, which occurred after extensive searches at his residence, has raised significant questions about his involvement in the money laundering case associated with the Delhi liquor excise policy. The ED, seeking an extension of custody by five days, has alleged non-cooperation on Singh’s part during their probe. Notably, the ED chargesheet highlights Singh’s pivotal role in the formulation and execution of the excise policy, asserting that it favored liquor manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Singh’s arrest marks the second instance of an AAP leader facing arrest in this case, with former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia being the first.
Dinesh Arora’s Connection
A pivotal figure in this complex web is Dinesh Arora, a restaurant owner believed to be closely associated with both Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia. In July, Arora was arrested by the ED, who claimed that he played a crucial role in the case. According to the ED’s allegations, Arora received a call from the AAP MP in 2020, during the run-up to the Delhi assembly elections, where funds were supposedly needed.
AAP’s Strong Condemnation
The AAP has vehemently condemned the arrest of their senior leader, Sanjay Singh. Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, expressed his dissatisfaction with the ongoing probe, stating, “They have been probing the alleged liquor scam for the last year but nothing has been found yet. Nothing will be found at Sanjay Singh’s residence. When someone is staring at defeat, they resort to desperate measures. That is what is happening right now.” This statement reflects the party’s stance that Singh’s arrest is politically motivated.
BJP’s Defense and Accusations
On the other side of the aisle, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended Sanjay Singh’s arrest and escalated their accusations against the AAP leadership. They have labeled Arvind Kejriwal as the ‘kingpin’ of the liquor scam, suggesting that the entire operation had his tacit approval. BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia has been quoted as saying, “The public of the nation and Delhi has understood that if there’s a kingpin in the Liquor scam, it is Arvind Kejriwal, on whose indications the Liquor scam in Delhi took place. The accused Dinesh Arora, who is a businessman, has accepted that at Delhi CM’s residence, the meeting was held.” These statements reflect the intensifying political rivalry surrounding the case.
The extension of Sanjay Singh’s ED custody in the money laundering case connected to the Delhi liquor excise policy has ignited a political firestorm. While the AAP staunchly defends its senior leader, the BJP accuses the party of being deeply embroiled in the alleged liquor scam. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how this case will impact the political landscape in Delhi and beyond.
-by Kashvi Gala