New Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) knocked on the doors of senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh on Wednesday intensifying their ongoing probe. The ED’s actions come on the heels of their earlier inquiries into individuals associated with the 51-year-old Rajya Sabha MP. Singh has now been arrested and is in the custody of the probe agency.
Sanjay Singh not named in charge sheets
Until now, the ED has not explicitly implicated Sanjay Singh in any of the five charge sheets filed in connection with the money laundering investigation into irregularities surrounding the Delhi excise policy for 2021-22.
It’s worth noting that the ED’s investigation into the Delhi Excise Policy has already led to the incarceration of former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia since February 26 this year.
Sanjay Singh was under ED’s lens
Sanjay Singh’s connection to the ED probe stems from the charge sheet against Manish Sisodia, which highlighted the close relationship between restaurateur Dinesh Arora and both Singh and Sisodia.
Dinesh Arora, an accused-turned-approver for the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was arrested by the ED in July, with authorities citing his pivotal role in the Delhi Excise Policy scandal.
ED’s Claims Against Sanjay Singh
- The alleged meeting between Dinesh Arora, Sanjay Singh, and Manish Sisodia at Arora’s restaurant, Unplugged Courtyard.
- A purported phone call involving Sanjay Singh and Dinesh Arora, where Singh purportedly discussed the need for AAP’s funding ahead of the Delhi assembly elections.
- Claims that Singh asked Arora to reach out to other restaurateurs for financial support, resulting in the collection of ₹82 lakh in cheques handed over to Sisodia for party funds.
- Amit Arora, another businessman, met Sanjay Singh through Dinesh Arora in 2020. Amit Arora sought favorable terms for his liquor business, particularly in light of Delhi’s government-controlled retail stores.
- Alleged assurance from Sisodia to modify the proposed 2020-21 excise policy to accommodate changes requested by Amit Arora and Dinesh Arora. In return, Vivek Tyagi, an associate of Sanjay Singh, received stakes in Amit Arora’s business, Aralias Hospitality.
