AAP to be made accused in excise policy case: ED tells Delhi high court

NEW DELHI: Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday informed the Delhi high court that it intends to make the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) a defendant in the money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy scam.

The revelation by ED was made as it opposed the bail plea of former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, a key accused in the investigation.

"AAP is going to be made a co-accused in the next prosecution complaint (charge sheet) to be filed in the case," ED's counsel said before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. The agency's legal counsel underscored concerted efforts by implicated individuals to prolong the charge framing process behind the step.

In response, Sisodia's legal representative contended that both the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continue to make arrests in connection with the money laundering and corruption case, indicating an extended trial period with no immediate resolution in sight.

The Delhi high court has reserved its decision on the bail application submitted by Manish Sisodia, the former deputy chief minister of Delhi and a prominent figure in the Aam Aadmi Party, in the excise policy case. The court has deferred its ruling on matters involving both the CBI and ED.

(With agency inputs)