In a development that could further complicate matters for Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has reportedly denied a request from an approver in a money laundering case to travel abroad.
The approver, whose identity has been withheld, had sought permission from the ED to visit a foreign country. However, the agency refused the request, expressing concerns that the individual might not return to India and could withdraw their support for the ongoing investigation.
The decision to deny the approver’s request comes just three months before Kejriwal’s dramatic arrest in connection with the same case, underscoring the high-stakes legal battle the Delhi Chief Minister is embroiled in.
The money laundering investigation, which has been ongoing for several years, is centered around alleged irregularities in the Delhi government’s now-scrapped liquor policy. Kejriwal and several of his cabinet colleagues have faced intense scrutiny from the ED, which has conducted multiple raids and questioning sessions.
The refusal to allow the approver to travel abroad is seen as a strategic move by the ED to ensure the integrity of the case. Approvers, who often provide crucial testimony and evidence in such investigations, are crucial to the agency’s ability to build a strong case against the accused.
Legal experts suggest that the ED’s decision could be a reflection of the agency’s growing confidence in the case and its desire to maintain a tight grip on the proceedings. The move also highlights the high-stakes nature of the investigation, as the authorities seek to prevent any potential interference or tampering with the evidence.
As the legal battle intensifies, Kejriwal and his party have consistently maintained their innocence, accusing the BJP-led Central government of using investigative agencies to target political opponents. However, the ED’s denial of the approver’s request could further erode the public’s confidence in Kejriwal’s position and embolden the agency’s efforts to build a robust case against him.
With the arrest of the Delhi Chief Minister looming, the political and legal landscape in the national capital is set to witness a continued battle of wits between the AAP and the central government, with the outcome of the money laundering investigation likely to have far-reaching implications for the future of both the parties.
