ED files legal petition against Kejriwal for ignoring summons

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a legal petition against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has disregarded five consecutive summons in connection to the money laundering case linked to the Delhi liquor excise policy 2021-22. The ED, seeking compliance, approached the Rouse Avenue court, stating that Kejriwal's non-cooperation hindered the ongoing investigation. The court, after hearing preliminary submissions on Saturday, scheduled further proceedings for February 7.

This development comes amid dual investigations, with both the Delhi crime branch and the ED intensifying scrutiny on Kejriwal for separate cases. The ED has persistently summoned Kejriwal in relation to the liquor inquiry, with the Delhi CM labeling these summons as "illegal." Notably, Kejriwal has abstained from responding to the agency's calls on November 2, December 21, January 3, January 19, and February 2.

In a parallel incident, the Delhi crime branch visited Kejriwal's residence on both Friday and Saturday to serve a notice personally regarding his claims that the BJP was attempting to poach seven AAP MLAs. The Saturday morning encounter turned dramatic as AAP leaders present questioned the insistence on delivering the notice only to the CM. Ultimately, the notice was handed to officials, urging Kejriwal to respond within three days, disclosing the names of the approached MLAs.

In response to the unfolding events, Kejriwal expressed sympathy for the crime branch officers, asserting that their focus should be on fighting crime rather than engaging in political drama. He criticized political pressures, stating, "Their job is to stop crime, but they are asked to stage drama instead, and that's why crime is increasing in Delhi."