Trouble looms for Delhi Minister Atishi Marlena as she gets embroiled in the Delhi Liquor Policy scandal, according to recent reports. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal allegedly implicated Marlena in the controversy, suggesting that the middleman, Vijay Nair, reported to her rather than to him.
The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), quoted Kejriwal’s statement during court proceedings. Kejriwal’s alleged non-cooperation and refusal to share his phone’s password further compounded the situation.
In a significant development, the Delhi Court has remanded Arvind Kejriwal to 15 days of judicial custody in connection with the Delhi Liquor Scam case. The ED argued for Kejriwal’s custody citing his non-cooperative behavior, leading to the court’s decision.
Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21, 2024, marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation into the defunct Delhi Liquor Policy. Despite protests and dramatic statements, Kejriwal now faces an extended period in judicial custody.
The allegations against Vijay Nair, a key figure in the scandal, shed light on his association with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Nair, a close aide of Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, was among those named in the FIR filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The FIR accused Nair of involvement in irregularities related to the formulation and implementation of the Delhi Excise Policy for the year 2021-2022. His ties to AAP, including his role as a volunteer and organizer of party events, have come under scrutiny.
AAP MLA Atishi Marlena’s characterization of Nair as an ‘ad-hoc worker’ contradicts claims made by party members regarding Nair’s longstanding association with AAP. Ankit Lal, a national council member, emphasized Nair’s extensive involvement with the party over several years.
Recent revelations indicate that Nair has been associated with AAP since January 2014, contributing to the party even before benefiting personally from the association. Marlena’s portrayal of Nair as a minor figure within the party appears inconsistent with his significant role in digital campaign strategy and event management.
As the investigation unfolds, Atishi Marlena finds herself at the center of allegations, raising questions about her involvement in the scandal and her relationship with key players like Vijay Nair.
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