A team of the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at the residence of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Wednesday in connection with the now-scrapped liquor policy case. The ED had earlier questioned members of the staff and those linked to the AAP national spokesperson.
Allegations against AAP MP Sanjay Singh
ED in its chargesheet has mentioned that Delhi-based businessman Dinesh Arora, who was named as an accused in the Delhi liquor policy scam case, earlier held a meeting with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at his residence, in the presence of Sanjay Singh.
According to Arora's statement, as recorded by the ED, he had met Sanjay Singh during an event, following which he also came in touch with former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.
Sources said the event was organised to raise funds before the Delhi elections.
According to the ED chargesheet, "He (Dinesh Arora) initially met Sanjay Singh through whom he came in contact with Manish Sisodia during a party at his own restaurant, namely Unplugged Courtyard. On request of Sanjay Singh, he spoke with many of the restaurant owners and arranged cheques amounting to Rs 32 lakh (handed over to Sisodia) for collection of party funds for upcoming elections in Delhi."
The financial probe agency has also alleged that Sanjay Singh resolved one of Dinesh Arora's long-pending issues with the liquor department.
AAP workers protest
Several AAP workers were detained today while protesting in Lucknow against the ED raid at Sanjay Singh’s residence in connection with the scrapped excise policy case. Visuals shared on social media showed a huge crowd gathered on the streets of the Uttar Pradesh capital to protest against the ED action.
The liquor policy case
The liquor policy was scrapped after Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI probe into alleged corruption.
The ED and the CBI have alleged the Delhi government's liquor policy for 2021-22 allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who paid bribes for licences.
