Representing the ED, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju opposed the bail plea as well as Kejriwal’s claim that there was no money trail or proof to back up the central agency’s allegations in the excise policy case.
“It is not as if ED is doing the investigation in the air. We have concrete evidence,” Raju said today, adding that the ED has photos of currency notes which were part of the money given as kickbacks.
He further referred to Kejriwal’s stay at a seven-star hotel in Goa. The ASG argued that the hotel stay was paid through kickback money.
“In the same Goa campaign, we are saying, kickback money was used … Chanpreet Singh (AAP volunteer, who is also an accused in the excise policy case) received a huge cash amount and he paid the bill of hotel of Arvind Kejriwal. He was handling their Goa election,” ASG Raju submitted.
Among other submissions, it was also argued that an adverse inference could be drawn against Kejriwal since he was being secretive about his mobile phone.
“Adverse inference has to be drawn because Kejriwal has refused to give his password. A lot of skeletons will come out if he gives his phone,” the ASG said.
He went on to assert that Kejriwal was liable to be prosecuted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) even if he is not personally involved in any offence.
“You may not have committed the offence but you are responsible for the affairs of the AAP and if AAP is guilty of an offence then you are guilty of the offence as well. This is as per Section 70 PMLA. Everyone know there is one person responsible for the affairs of the AAP and that is Arvind Kejriwal,” ASG Raju said in this regard.
Source: Barandbench
