Liquor scam: Kejriwal claims Aurobindo Pharma's Sarath Reddy paid ₹55 crore to BJP

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday, March 28, made startling allegations of a liquor scam implicating the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during his appearance at the Rouse Avenue Court in the national capital.

The court has remanded Kejriwal to the ED custody till April 1.

Kejriwal asserted that Sarath Reddy, son of Aurobindo Pharma founder PV Ram Prasad Reddy, was coerced into paying the BJP a staggering ₹55 crore as protection money and demanded a thorough investigation into the matter. He claimed that Reddy purchased bonds worth ₹55 crore for the BJP.

Kejriwal criticised the ED's handling of the case, highlighting discrepancies in the evidence presented. He accused the agency of suppressing statements that didn't implicate him and creating a smokescreen against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

"Where are the proceeds or crime of the liquor scam? ED has made allegations of ₹100 crore paid by some "South Lobby" to AAP and there is no evidence of it?" he said.

Despite his arrest in March 2024 following the case's registration in August 2022, Kejriwal emphasised that he hasn't undergone trial or faced conviction by any court. He questioned the legitimacy of his arrest based on statements from only four approvers, particularly citing the testimony of C. Arvind, Manish Sisodia's PA.

Kejriwal acknowledged the ED's cooperative demeanour during questioning but questioned the authenticity of the evidence presented, particularly noting the extensive 25,000-page documentation submitted by the agency.

The ED, however, objected to Kejriwal's statements, arguing that he shouldn't address the court while being represented by a team of lawyers. The agency contended that Kejriwal cannot ride two horses and urged him to discharge his legal team if he wishes to address the court in person.

The ED further claimed to have evidence linking illegal funds from the liquor scam to AAP's campaign ahead of the Goa elections, asserting that special treatment couldn't be granted to Kejriwal merely because of his position as Delhi chief minister.

Kejriwal's appearance in court follows his arrest by the ED on March 21 in connection with a money laundering case related to the Delhi government's excise policy. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja remanded him in ED custody till March 28, with the agency pressing for further custodial interrogation.

The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing Delhi's excise policy for 2021-22, which was subsequently revoked. Kejriwal faces accusations stemming from this policy, with the ED presenting extensive documentation in court, including statements from key witnesses.