In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) grilled senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot for a duration of five hours on Saturday, as part of its investigation into the excise policy scam. Gahlot, who had played a pivotal role in formulating and executing the controversial liquor scheme in 2021, was observed entering the ED office around 11:30 am for interrogation. This development follows closely on the heels of the recent arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the same case.
The ED chargesheet revealed that Vijay Nair, AAP’s communications in-charge previously arrested in the case, purportedly resided in a government bungalow allotted to Gahlot. Additionally, the agency alleged that Gahlot managed a single SIM number, yet the IMEI (international mobile equipment identity) associated with it underwent three changes.
During the interrogation, Gahlot maintained that he had no knowledge of Nair residing in the government-provided accommodation. He also emphasized that he cooperated fully with the agency’s questioning, particularly regarding the formulation of the excise policy for the fiscal year 2021-22. Responding to allegations that funds from the purported excise policy scam were utilized by AAP in the Goa Assembly polls, Gahlot vehemently denied any involvement. He asserted that he had no participation in the campaigning activities in Goa and was unaware of the individuals managing the operations there.
Gahlot’s interrogation marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the excise policy scam, shedding further light on the alleged irregularities surrounding the contentious liquor scheme implemented during his tenure.
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