The detention of AAP MP Sanjay Singh ahead of significant elections is raising concerns. The ED conducted searches and later apprehended him as part of an investigation into allegations of money laundering linked to the unimplemented Delhi Excise Policy 2021-2022.
Security personnel are stationed outside AAP MP Sanjay Singh’s residence as the Enforcement Directorate conducts a raid linked to Delhi Excise Police in New Delhi on Wednesday (source: ANI).
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) member Sanjay Singh was taken into custody on Wednesday, following the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) searches at his residence. These searches were conducted as part of an investigation into allegations of money laundering related to the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-2022, which was not put into effect.
The raids were initiated based on information from Dinesh Arora, a former suspect now cooperating with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Delhi Excise Policy Scam case.
A court in Delhi approved Dinesh Arora and Raghav Magunta Reddy, the son of a YSR Congress Party MP, to act as witnesses in the money laundering case being probed by the ED.
The ED claimed that AAP Member of Parliament Singh had a connection with Dinesh Arora and had introduced him to the ex-deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia.
AAP has claimed that shortly after Arora and Reddy became witnesses, raids were conducted at MP Sanjay Singh’s house. AAP leaders have expressed concerns that the businessmen are feeling pressured to become witnesses in order to protect themselves, as reported by the Indian Express.
The arrest occurred just before important assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections. AAP is part of the Opposition INDIA bloc, which is trying to challenge the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in their efforts to secure a third consecutive term in office.
Sanjay Singh gained recognition as the most outspoken Rajya Sabha representative from AAP from 2018 to 2022. He became part of the 011 Anna Hazare anti-corruption movement in Delhi and stayed with AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal from the beginning of the party in 2012.
AAP MP Sanjay Singh, who is now in custody, is viewed as a crucial link between the AAP and opposition parties, as reported by the Indian Express. The party, which has been significantly weakened with many of its ministers incarcerated, could play a pivotal role in the ‘Mission 2024’ of the INDIA bloc.
Singh holds positions in AAP’s political committee and national executive. He is also the party’s spokesperson and oversees affairs in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
Immediately after Sanjay Singh’s arrest, AAP claimed, “BJP is displaying frustration due to its defeat by the INDIA bloc.” This holds significance leading up to the vital assembly polls and the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.