The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at 10 locations connected to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s personal secretary and others associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as part of its money laundering investigation into the Delhi Jal Board case.
Targets of the Raids
The ED searched premises linked to Bibhav Kumar, the personal secretary of Arvind Kejriwal, as well as Rajya Sabha member ND Gupta and other individuals.
AAP’s Response
AAP leader Atishi criticized the raids, accusing the BJP government of attempting to intimidate its leaders. She stated that the raids were conducted to thwart an “explosive exposé” planned by AAP, and described the actions as an attempt to intimidate the party.
Allegations by the Enforcement Directorate
The ED’s investigation revolves around allegations of financial irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board case. Last month, the agency arrested the former chief engineer of the Jal Board and a businessman under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
According to the ED, Jagdish Kumar Arora, the former chief engineer, awarded a contract worth ₹38 crore to NKG Infrastructure Ltd. despite the company not meeting technical eligibility criteria. It was discovered that NKG Infrastructure Ltd. secured the bid using forged or false documents.
Further investigation revealed that NKG Infrastructure Ltd. subcontracted the work to Integral Screws Ltd., owned by Anil Kumar Aggarwal, who allegedly transferred around ₹3 crore as a bribe to Jagdish Kumar Arora. The bribes were allegedly transferred through various means, including cash and bank transactions involving accounts of Arora’s associates and relatives.
Recent Developments
The raids come after the Enforcement Directorate took legal action against Arvind Kejriwal for repeatedly failing to appear before the agency in the Delhi excise policy case. Kejriwal has dismissed the summons as politically motivated.
Conclusion
The raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate on premises linked to Arvind Kejriwal’s personal secretary and other AAP members have sparked controversy, with the AAP alleging political motives behind the actions. The investigation into financial irregularities related to the Delhi Jal Board case continues, highlighting ongoing tensions between the AAP and the central government.
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