NEW DELHI: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated raids at over 12 locations in the national capital, targeting leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s Personal secretary Bihab Kumar and AAP Rajya Sabha MP N D Gupta. These actions come in relation to a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) linked to alleged irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
As of now, the ED has refrained from providing any comments on the ongoing raids.
The AAP has accused the ED of orchestrating the raids to hinder its Minister Atishi from conducting a scheduled press conference.
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The investigation stems from financial discrepancies surrounding the DJB. Last year, in July 2023, the ED carried out searches at 16 locations across Delhi-NCR, Kerala, and Chennai, targeting officials from the Jal Board, NBCC, and various private organisations.
Allegations surfaced regarding irregularities in the DJB’s tender process, along with suspicions of improper benefits being extended during the same. Acting on an FIR lodged by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the ED commenced its inquiry.
It is alleged that DJB officials favoured NKG Infrastructure Limited during the tender process, resulting in undue benefits and monetary gains. Furthermore, former NBCC director DK Mittal has been accused of issuing fraudulent performance-based certificates to NKG Infrastructure Limited.
In a separate matter, the Delhi government’s Anti-Corruption Branch initiated an inquiry into discrepancies in funds related to the installation of automatic bill payment machines across various locations. Despite the extension of the contract, payments were reportedly not made by the company involved, prompting the ED’s involvement.
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During the recent raids, the ED seized crucial documents, cash, and digital devices. Furthermore, undisclosed assets managed by Jagdish Kumar Aroda through a chartered accountant were discovered during the investigation.
In essence, the probe encompasses financial irregularities in the DJB’s tender process and payment inconsistencies in the Delhi government’s automatic bill payment initiative, implicating key officials and private entities alike.