Delhi Police Requests Documents on Liquor Licenses Under New Excise Policy

New Delhi [India], July 29 (ANI): The Assistant Commissioner of Delhi Police’s Economic Offence Wing has issued a notice to Delhi’s Excise Commissioner, asking for all documents related to the issuance of liquor licenses under the new excise policy.
This request comes after Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena recommended an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation into alleged violations of the Arvind Kejriwal-led government’s controversial new excise policy.
A report on July 8 by the Chief Secretary of the Union Territory revealed evidence of “deliberate and gross procedural lapses” by Deputy Chief Minister and Excise Department head Manish Sisodia in granting undue benefits to liquor licensees.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police, EOW, has requested the date of tender issuance, date of license grant, and application forms of all successful applicants under the new policy.
They have also asked about the procedures used to prevent monopolies and cartels among successful licensees.
The notice also inquired about the existence of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to prevent monopolies and cartels among successful licensees under the New Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.
Additionally, they have asked if any show cause notices have been issued for the cancellation of licenses granted under the new policy.
Responses to these questions were requested within three days of receiving the notice.
The Chief Secretary’s report suggests evidence of financial quid pro quo at the highest political level and that the Delhi excise policy was implemented with the intention of benefiting private liquor barons and individuals in the highest levels of government, including Manish Sisodia.
The excise policy was passed by the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi Cabinet during the Delta Covid-19 pandemic in 2021.
However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which governs the Delhi government, claims that the new excise policy was designed to generate maximum revenue, eradicate the sale of counterfeit or untaxed liquor in Delhi, and improve the user experience. (ANI)