ED Remand of Vinod Chauhan Extended in Excise Policy Money Laundering Case
On Tuesday, May 7th, 2024, the Rouse Avenue Court in New Delhi extended the Enforcement Directorate (ED) remand of Vinod Chauhan until May 12th in connection with the Excise Policy money laundering case. Chauhan was arrested by the ED for allegedly transferring cash bribes from the South Group to the Aam Aadmi Party's election campaign during the Goa Assembly Elections.
Chauhan was produced before the court after the end of his previous custody period. The court had earlier sent him to 3 days ED remand. Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, after reviewing the ED's remand application, decided to extend his remand until May 12th, 2024.
The ED alleges that Chauhan was involved in transferring Rs 25.5 crores out of Rs 45 crores used in the AAP Goa elections. He was aware that the money was related to the Delhi liquor excise policy scam and had close ties with the key conspirators. He is primarily involved in Hawala transfers and cash movements and acted as a middleman for bureaucrats and politicians.
Searches conducted at various locations led to the seizure of Rs 1.06 crores from Chauhan's residence. The ED claims that he knew the money belonged to the South Group and was holding it for AAP leaders. The agency requested a four-day custody to uncover the money trail, which is exclusive to his knowledge, and to confront him with digital and material records, other accused, and witnesses.
Chauhan's lawyer, Advocate Gagan Manocha, opposed the ED's remand plea, stating that his client has been cooperating with the investigation and has already provided audit reports to the agency regarding the seized amount.
The ED and the CBI allege that irregularities were committed while modifying the excise policy, including undue favors to license holders, waived or reduced license fees, and the extension of the L-1 license without proper authorization. The beneficiaries allegedly diverted illegal gains to the accused officials and made false entries in their books of account to avoid detection.
The probe agencies further allege that the excise department decided to refund the earnest money deposit of about Rs 30 crore to a successful tenderer against the set rules. Additionally, a waiver on tendered license fees was allowed from December 28th, 2021, to January 27th, 2022, due to COVID-19, despite the lack of an enabling provision. This allegedly resulted in a loss of Rs 144.36 crore to the exchequer.