AAP MP Sanjay Singh To Remain In ED Custody Till 13 Oct Due To Non-Cooperation In Delhi Liquor Excise Policy Probe

A Delhi court on Tuesday (10 October) extended the Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh until 13 October in connection with the money laundering case linked to the now-abolished Delhi liquor excise policy 2020-21, Hindustan Times reported.

Sanjay Singh was apprehended by the central probe agency on 4 October after searches at his residence were conducted as part of the ED's money laundering investigation into the excise policy case. The ED had requested a five-day extension of custody, citing Singh's alleged non-cooperation in the probe.

According to the ED chargesheet, the agency asserted that Sanjay Singh played a pivotal role in formulating and executing the now-discarded excise policy.

The chargesheet also claimed that the benefits of the policy were received by liquor manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. Singh is the second AAP leader, following former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, to be arrested in this case.

The chargesheet further alleged that restaurant owner Dinesh Arora, allegedly close to both Singh and Sisodia, played a significant role. Arora was arrested by the ED in July, with claims that he had a crucial role in the case.

According to the ED, in 2020, Arora received a call from the AAP MP stating that Delhi assembly elections were approaching, and the AAP needed funds.

The AAP strongly criticised the arrest of its senior leader. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stated, “They have been probing the alleged liquor scam for the last year but nothing has been found yet. Nothing will be found at Sanjay Singh's residence. When someone is staring at defeat, they resort to desperate measures. That is what is happening right now.”

The BJP defended the arrest, labeling Kejriwal as the 'kingpin.' BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia stated, “The public of the nation and Delhi has understood that if there's a kingpin in the Liquor scam, it is Arvind Kejriwal on whose indications the Liquor scam in Delhi took place. The accused Dinesh Arora, who is a businessman, has accepted that at Delhi CM's residence, the meeting was held.”