Delhi court denies bail to AAP MP Sanjay Singh in excise policy scam case

Delhi court denies bail to AAP MP Sanjay Singh in excise policy scam case.

Updated on: Dec 22, 2023, 16:28:43 IST

By HT News Desk

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Delhi Rouse Avenue court on Friday rejected Aam Aadmi Party’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh's bail plea in the money laundering case linked to the now scrapped Delhi liquor excise policy 2021-22.

Special Judge M K Nagpal rejected Rajya Sabha MP Singh's bail plea.

Earlier on Thursday, the court adjourned proceedings, scheduling the verdict on Singh's bail application for December 22.

Also read: ED files 1st charge sheet against AAP’s Sanjay Singh in Delhi excise policy case

During the arguments, Singh's counsel pointed to the contradictions in statements, particularly from accused-turned-approver Dinesh Arora and other witnesses regarding alleged bribes.

Enforcement Directorate opposed Singh's application, claiming a potential interference if released on bail.

Also read: Arvind Kejriwal skips ED’s summons, says it was ‘illegal, politically motivated’

AAP MP Singh, arrested on October 4, refutes the ED's claim of his key role in the scrapped 2021-2022 excise policy, alleging it benefited specific liquor entities for financial gains. He denies any wrongdoing.

The Delhi liquor scam, or excise policy case, revolves around allegations that the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government's 2021-22 excise policy facilitated cartelization, favouring specific dealers who allegedly paid bribes—an accusation vehemently denied by the AAP.

Last year, the ED filed its first chargesheet in the case, disclosing over 200 search operations conducted. The FIR was initiated based on a CBI case recommended by the Delhi lieutenant governor, acting on the chief secretary's July report. This report indicated prima facie violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR)-1993, Delhi Excise Act-2009, and Delhi Excise Rules-2010.

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