The Delhi High Court has taken cognizance of businessman Amandeep Singh Dhal's bail plea in a case related to the Delhi excise policy and has sought a response from the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Dhal, who is the executive director of Brindco Sales Private Ltd, challenged the order of Special Judge M.K. Nagpal of the Rouse Avenue Courts denying him bail. The court has issued a notice to the ED and requested written submissions from both parties. The matter will be thoroughly examined on June 28.
Dhal's counsel, Amit Desai, argued for bail on the grounds that the prosecution complaint filed by the ED was incomplete. However, the ED claimed that Dhal's petition was not maintainable. Judge Nagpal had previously rejected Dhal's bail plea in the corruption case being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Dhal was arrested by the ED on March 1 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with the excise case. The ED alleges that Dhal, along with others, conspired to formulate policies that facilitated kickbacks to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its recovery by the South Group through various means. The court noted that the evidence on record indicates a significant role played by Dhal in the alleged offenses, leading to the rejection of his bail application in the corruption case.
Both the ED and the CBI have accused Dhal of being involved in irregularities related to the modification of the excise policy, including favoritism towards license holders, waiving or reducing license fees, and extending licenses without proper approval. It is alleged that the beneficiaries of these actions diverted illegal gains to the accused officials and falsified accounting records to avoid detection.
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