The Central Bureau of Investigation has summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning in the Delhi excise policy case, The Indian Express reported citing Delhi government sources. He has been asked to appear before the agency on Sunday, April 16 for questioning over alleged irregularities in the city government’s now-scrapped alcohol policy.

The CBI, in its case, has alleged that AAP received kickbacks to the tune of crores in exchange for a favourable liquor policy and routed this money into its election campaign in Goa in 2022.

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Former Delhi Deputy CM and AAP leader Manish Sisodia was arrested and has been in custody in connection with the same case. As per available information, Kejriwal has been asked to appear before the agency at its Delhi headquarters at 11 AM on Sunday.

What is the Delhi liquor ‘scam’?

The new liquor policy marked the exit of the government from the business of liquor and was implemented in a bid to increase government revenues, better customer experience and end liquor mafia’s influence and black marketing. According to the new policy, which came into effect in November 2021, Delhi was divided into 32 zones, with every zone consisting of 27 liquor vends.

Also Read: Still don’t understand the scam in Delhi liquor policy: Arvind Kejriwal

In order to make the trade more attractive, the government allowed the licensees to determine their own prices, regardless of the MRP, offering unlimited discounts to customers. Shops were allowed to be open till 3 am, while other facilities like home delivery to customers were allowed.

As per the CBI’s chargesheet, Manish Sisodia and other accused public servants, recommended and made decisions regarding the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 without seeking the consent of the appropriate authority and with “an intention to extend undue favours to the licensees post tender”.

AAP hits back

The Aam Aadmi Party, meanwhile, has responded to the summons and termed it a conspiracy to arrest Kejriwal. “Arvind Kejriwal has been sent a CBI summon. I’d like to tell the PM – you and your Govt are covered in corruption from head to toe and Arvind Kejriwal’s fight will not stop with this CBI summon. The conspiracy hatched by you to arrest, jail and take action against Arvind Kejriwal on 16th April will not stifle his voice,” AAP MP Sanjay Singh said following the summons.