The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) raids on top AAP and Delhi government officials on Wednesday, branding them as “politically motivated”.<\/p>\n
The ED conducted raids on Tuesday targeting AAP treasurer and MP N.D. Gupta, Bibhav Kumar (private secretary to the Delhi chief minister), Arvind Kejriwal (the party’s national convener), and former Delhi Jal Board member Shalabh Kumar. These raids were part of an investigation into an alleged scam within the board.<\/p>\n
Following the day-long operation, Kejriwal took to Twitter on Tuesday night, stating in Hindi that despite thorough investigations, no evidence was found. He accused the ED of conducting raids on several other AAP leaders’ residences without just cause, labeling it as “hooliganism” and politically motivated harassment.<\/p>\n
AAP minister Atishi, addressing reporters on Wednesday, criticized the 16-hour raid at the chief minister’s personal secretary’s residence, highlighting the lack of a thorough search and absence of explanation from the ED regarding the purpose of the raid. Atishi accused the ED of attempting to stifle dissent and target key party figures.<\/p>\n
The ED, in response on Wednesday, stated that the raids were conducted in Delhi, Varanasi, and Chandigarh as part of a probe into alleged bribery mentioned in a CBI FIR, some of which were purportedly routed as election funds to AAP. The agency reported seizing documents, digital material, valuables amounting to Rs 1.97 crore, and foreign currency worth Rs 4 lakh, without specifying the source.<\/p>\n
In a related development, a Delhi court summoned Kejriwal for February 17 in a liquor policy case after he ignored five summonses from the ED, citing ambiguity regarding his role as an accused or a witness in the investigation.<\/p>\n