Excise case: ‘ED tampered with footage of questioning’

Aam Aadmi Party alleges that the Enforcement Directorate deleted audio from CCTV recordings and coerced witnesses in Delhi excise policy case.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday alleged that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had deleted audio from CCTV recordings of questioning it did in connection with the probe in the Delhi excise policy case. It also said that the witnesses were “coerced” into giving statements against party leaders.

“It is clear today to everyone that this is not the investigation of a scam. This ED investigation is a scam in itself,” senior party leader and Delhi Finance Minister Atishi said at a press conference in Delhi.

The Central probe agency is yet to respond to the allegations. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused AAP leaders of making false statements.

The ED has arrested several persons, including senior AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Manish Sisodia, whom it has charged with playing a key role in the formulation and implementation of the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy 2021-22, to benefit certain liquor manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers for monetary considerations.

The agency had issued summons to AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning on five occasions, but he is yet to appear before the agency.

Ms. Atishi claimed that one of the witnesses was assaulted by ED officers who forced him to give a statement against AAP leaders.

“Another witness was told that his wife would also be arrested by the ED if he did not give a statement against AAP leaders. Again and again, people were threatened and forced to sign statements by the ED. How will one know that a statement submitted by the ED in the court is right or wrong?” the Finance Minister said.