Atishi Questions ED Probe, Highlights Kejriwal Arrest Based on Singular Account

Atishi questions ED probe.

Atishi Questions ED Probe: AAP leader Atishi Marlena claims that CM Arvind Kejriwal's arrest is a result of a statement from Aurobindo Pharma's owner, Sarath Chandra Reddy, who reportedly donated to the BJP.

On May 8, 2023, after he confirmed his alleged ties to the Delhi chief minister, Reddy was released on bail in an alleged liquor scam, the Aam Aadmi Party claimed.

Referring to electoral bond data, Atishi said Sarath Chandra Reddy donated crores to the BJP that need to be investigated by the ED. She added that "AAP has, however, discovered the money trail".

"Arvind Kejriwal was arrested two days ago in the alleged liquor policy case. He was arrested based on the statement of just one person - Sarath Chandra Reddy, the head of the Aurobindo Pharma. He owns several other companies. Sarath Chandra Reddy was called for questioning on November 9, 2022," Atishi said.

His statement during questioning was that he had never met Arvind Kejriwal, nor was he connected to the AAP. However, he was arrested by the ED shortly after. After spending several months in jail, Sarath Chandra Reddy changed his statement, saying he had met Arvind Kejriwal. Consequently, Sarath Chandra Reddy was granted bail."

His company Aurobindo Pharma purchased electoral bonds worth Rs 5 crore on November 15, 2022, and all of them were given to the BJP. The BJP received Rs 34.5 crore of the electoral bonds purchased by Aurobindo. It also gave Rs 15 crore to Bharat Rashtra Samithi and Rs 2.5 crore to the Telugu Desam Party.

According to the BJP, SBI, the central government, and the Election Commission, they have tried not to disclose details about the electoral bonds since the Supreme Court started discussing them. Saurabh Bhardwaj, Delhi minister, said that the disclosure raises a number of serious questions.

AAP's election campaign in Goa in 2022 was allegedly financed by proceeds of crime generated by Arvind Kejriwal. Kejriwal was allegedly involved in a conspiracy involving liquor policy formulation to favor certain individuals and the demand for kickbacks, according to the probe agency.

According to the probe agency, Kejriwal demanded kickbacks from the 'South Group' in exchange for favours. Kejriwal "took advantage" of his position as Delhi Chief Minister to facilitate money laundering by AAP, a "major beneficiary" of proceeds of crimes.

As a result of his arrest for corruption in the liquor policy, Delhi's Rouse Avenue court sentenced CM Arvind Kejriwal to six days of ED custody until March 28. Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials said Arvind Kejriwal is the kingpin of Delhi liquor scam in collusion with his ministers, AAP leaders, during the hearing for remand on Friday.

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