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Numerous high-profile searches, across the nation's capital, have witnessed raids conducted by the Enforcement Directorate's officials, as verified by ED, particularly of individuals in association with the Aam Aadmi Party, including Bibhav Kumar, who is designated as the personal secretary of Arvind Kejriwal, the Cheif Minister of Delhi.
Ten different locations have been subjected to these raids being conducted by the authorities. The motive behind the raids has a two-folded interpretation, where speculation is of this being in link with an ongoing money laundering case, involving some members of the party, or this could be concerning a completely different subject.
The Authorities of the agency are said to be conducting inquiries in this relation and are acting as close watchdogs to these individuals, and their actions, including how swiftly are they changing their whereabouts, and also the position of N.D. Gupta, the national treasurer, and a Rajya Sabha MP.
Atishi, a prominent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, responded to the recent raids by accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of attempting to intimidate their leaders. “I will be doing an explosive exposé on ED at 10 am tomorrow! Watch this space…” - said Atishi.
The ED has made its stance on the allegations clear as they have pointed out Jagdish Kumar Arora, who was the chief engineer of the Delhi Jal Board, was given a contract for a supply, and installation, to NKG Infrastructure Ltd. for a total cost of ₹38 crore, despite the company not meeting the required expertise.
ED has made it a strong proactive goal to stand by the petitions filed, and help the relevant stakeholders with crucial information on these cases, therefore aiding in the accountability of the high-powered officials.
The recent development occurred several days after the Enforcement Directorate's action of approaching a court in Delhi to file charges against Kejriwal. This legal action was taken due to Kejriwal's repeated failure to appear before the court concerning the Delhi excise policy case, marking the fifth instance of him evading the summons. This probe has been deemed as a politically motivated move to downgrade the other side, by Kejriwal.
Source Credit: The Hindu