"When there is bail from the court, why is ED sending summons again and again?": Kejriwal to Skip ED Summons in Delhi Jal Board Case

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has decided to skip the Enforcement Directorate's summons related to a money laundering investigation in connection with the alleged irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board case, the Aam Aadmi Party stated on Monday. The central agency issued the summons under section 50 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), requesting Kejriwal's appearance for questioning.

An AAP representative questioned the necessity of the summons, highlighting Kejriwal's bail granted by the Rouse Avenue Court concerning previous instances of skipping Enforcement Directorate summonses. “When there is bail from the court, why is ED sending summons again and again? ED summons are illegal," said the Aam Admi Party in a statement.

“Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal received another summon yesterday evening by the ED...They have asked him to join some investigation related to Delhi Jal Board...We are unaware of the case registered by the ED in this matter...Arvind Kejriwal has been summoned in this fake case," said senior AAP leader Atishi.

In the Delhi Jal Board case, the Enforcement Directorate has alleged that the funds obtained through corruption in a government contract were funneled as election funds to the AAP. In February, the central agency conducted raids at various locations as part of its investigation, targeting individuals associated with Kejriwal and the AAP.

The ED's investigation revolves around a CBI FIR accusing irregularities in a DJB contract awarded to NKG Infrastructure Ltd. for Rs 38 crore, despite alleged technical ineligibility. Individuals linked to the contract have been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate, with allegations of kickbacks used for illicit purposes, including funding AAP's election campaigns.

However, the AAP has refuted the Enforcement Directorate's allegations branding them as baseless.

This marks the second instance of Kejriwal being summoned under anti-money laundering laws, as he also faces inquiry in a separate case in connection with the Delhi excise policy. Having previously ignored eight summons in the case, which he called "illegal," the Enforcement Directorate has issued fresh summons to Kejriwal to appear for questioning on March 21.