Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Sent to Tihar Jail Till April 15 in Excise Policy Scam Case

Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court delivered a significant verdict on Monday, sending Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody until April 15. This decision stems from his involvement in a money-laundering case associated with an alleged liquor excise policy scam. Presiding over the proceedings, special CBI judge Kaveri Baweja oversaw the presentation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju elucidated the federal agency's stance, clarifying that they were not pursuing further custody but rather advocating for judicial custody. Raju cited precedents and emphasized Kejriwal's alleged evasiveness and lack of cooperation during the investigation. Subsequently, the Enforcement Directorate sought 15 days of judicial custody for the Delhi Chief Minister, a request that was granted by the court.

Last Thursday, the court extended his custodial remand until April 1 in connection with the aforementioned case. During a previous court appearance, Kejriwal contended that within the extensive 31,000-page document prepared by the ED, there lacks any substantial evidence or accusations directly implicating him, asserting his innocence. He further asserted that the portrayal of AAP as corrupt is a manufactured facade aimed at misleading the public.

The arrest of Arvind Kejriwal was prompted by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, following repeated mentions of his name in chargesheets relating to the excise policy case. Kejriwal stands accused of purportedly soliciting kickbacks from liquor traders in exchange for favorable treatment. The ED has labeled him as the "kingpin and key conspirator" in the now-defunct policy.

Concurrently, preparations were underway at Delhi's Tihar Jail to accommodate Arvind Kejriwal. Sanitization measures were implemented, and the Chief Minister was scheduled to be transferred there on Monday evening. Additionally, the Delhi High Court issued directives to the Enforcement Directorate to submit a special note regarding the Chief Minister's ability to issue orders while in custody. The court dismissed a public interest litigation seeking to prevent Kejriwal from exercising his official duties during his time in custody.