The Rouse Avenue Court has granted bail to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Durgesh Pathak while extending the judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until September 25. The case is part of an ongoing investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged money laundering and corruption.
Key Developments in the Case:
Durgesh Pathak Granted Bail: Pathak was released on bail after furnishing a bond of Rs 1 lakh. Other accused individuals involved in the case have also submitted their bail bonds.
Arvind Kejriwal’s Custody Extended: The Delhi Chief Minister, who is also facing charges in the case, appeared via video conferencing from Tihar Jail. His custody was extended until September 25 as the investigation continues. Another accused, Vinod Chauhan, who is also in custody in a separate money laundering case, appeared in court physically.
The CBI’s Charges Against the Accused:
Supplementary Chargesheet Filed: The CBI has filed a supplementary charge sheet against Arvind Kejriwal, Durgesh Pathak, and several other individuals. The charges stem from alleged financial irregularities tied to the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy. The CBI claims that funds received from the “South group” were funneled into AAP’s Goa election campaign.
Allegations Against Kejriwal: According to the CBI, Kejriwal promised ₹90 lakh to each candidate in Goa’s 40 constituencies. The funds were allegedly arranged through Vijay Nair, Kejriwal’s media manager, who had ties to the South group. Witnesses have provided statements supporting these claims, further deepening the controversy surrounding the case.
Also read: Delhi HC Grants Bail to Hyderabad Businessman Arun R Pillai in Delhi Excise Policy Case
Financial Scandal and Key Players:
Pathak’s Role in the Scam: Durgesh Pathak, who managed AAP’s Goa election campaign, is accused of orchestrating the flow of funds to party candidates. The prosecution alleges that all money spent on the election was done under Pathak’s directions.
Connections to Liquor Scams: The case also ties in with the Mahadev liquor case, where Amit Arora, another accused, is alleged to have threatened witnesses and used illicit gains to influence business operations in the liquor industry. Statements from business figures and WhatsApp chat evidence have further implicated the accused.
