The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday carried out searches at the residence of a prominent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in the national capital, as part of an ongoing money laundering probe related to the alleged irregularities in the Delhi excise policy. The development comes amid heightened political tensions, with the ruling party accusing the central agencies of targeting opposition leaders ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in several states.
Details of the Raid
According to sources, the ED team reached the residence of the AAP leader early in the morning and conducted a thorough search, seizing documents and electronic devices. The agency is investigating allegations that the AAP leader played a key role in the formulation and implementation of the excise policy that allegedly resulted in a loss of revenue to the state exchequer. The policy, which was introduced in November 2021, was later scrapped after allegations of corruption surfaced.
Political Reactions
The AAP has strongly condemned the raids, calling them a politically motivated move by the central government to divert attention from its failures. Party leaders staged a protest outside the residence of the leader, accusing the ED of harassment. On the other hand, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter, stating that no one should be above the law.
The ED has not yet made any official statement regarding the raids. However, sources indicate that the agency may summon the AAP leader for questioning in the coming days. The case is being investigated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
This is not the first time that the ED has targeted AAP leaders. Earlier this year, the agency had raided the premises of several party functionaries in connection with the same case. The AAP has consistently denied any wrongdoing, alleging that the investigations are part of a witch-hunt by the central government.
The excise policy controversy has been a major political issue in Delhi, with both the ruling AAP and the opposition BJP trading charges. The matter is also being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch. The ED raids are the latest in a series of actions by central agencies against opposition leaders, which have drawn criticism from various quarters.
