Delhi Minister Raaj Kumar Anand resigned from his post and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on April 10, expressing discontent over the party’s stance on corruption. Anand, who served as the Minister of Social Welfare and SC/ST in Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s government, cited his inability to associate his name with the ongoing allegations of corruption within the party.
Anand, who represented the Patel Nagar constituency, highlighted the core principle of AAP’s inception—fighting against corruption. However, he lamented that the party has strayed from its founding ethos and is now mired in accusations of corruption.
In his statement following the resignation, Anand emphasised his decision to step down from both his ministerial position and the AAP membership due to his moral discomfort with the prevailing environment. He expressed his frustration over the perceived deviation from AAP’s original mission and his inability to reconcile with the allegations of corruption plaguing the party.
#WATCH | Delhi Social Welfare Minister Raaj Kumar Anand resigns from his post as minister and also from Aam Aadmi Party pic.twitter.com/QF52GyjhiW
— ANI (@ANI) April 10, 2024
“Aam Aadmi Party was born to fight corruption, but today the party is stuck in a swamp of corruption. It has become difficult for me to work on the minister’s post. I resigned from the post of minister and from the party as I can’t connect name with this corruption,” Anand remarked.
Meanwhile, Anand too is embroiled in graft. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) are probing Delhi Minister Raaj Kumar Anand in connection with an alleged money laundering case involving unaccounted business investments and hawala payments sent to China in 2023.
Following searches at 13 locations, including Anand’s premises, in November last year, the ED reportedly recovered incriminating evidence related to unaccounted business investments and hawala payments sent to China. Additionally, Rs 74 lakh in cash along with various documents and digital records were seized.
An ED spokesperson stated, “The ED initiated the investigation based on a prosecution complaint filed by the DRI against Anand and others for offences under various sections of the Customs Act. Anand is accused of making hawala payments to China and evading customs duty amounting to approximately Rs 7 crore on various imports. The Hon’ble Court has taken cognizance of the offence vide order on August 11.”
The allegations against Anand have intensified scrutiny over his financial transactions and dealings, raising concerns about potential violations of regulatory norms. The ongoing investigation underscores the authorities’ commitment to combating financial irregularities and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Anand’s involvement in the alleged money laundering case has cast a shadow over his political career and added to the challenges facing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi. As the investigation progresses, further revelations may emerge, shedding light on the extent of Anand’s alleged involvement and potential legal ramifications.
Aam Aadmi Party which was built on the plant to combat corruption is now facing the wrath as most of its top leaders are behind the bar including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former deputy CM of Delhi Manish Sisodia, former health minister of Delhi Satyendra Jain.
Presently, the top leaders of the AAP are behind bars, including Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former deputy CM of Delhi Manish Sisodia, former health minister of Delhi Satyendra Jain.
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