Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been remanded to the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for 6 days, lasting until March 28. This decision followed a late-night order by Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Friday. Earlier on Friday, Kejriwal withdrew a Supreme Court plea challenging his arrest in connection to an alleged liquor policy scam case.
During the hearing, the ED sought custody of Kejriwal for ten days, citing the necessity to conclude its investigation thoroughly. The agency also aimed to confront Kejriwal with other individuals who were arrested in the case. Describing Kejriwal as the “kingpin” and “key conspirator,” the ED asserted his pivotal role in the alleged scam. Additionally, they labeled him as the “middleman” between the ‘south group’ and other accused parties, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. The alleged proceeds of the scam exceed Rs 600 crore, with the agency claiming Rs 100 crore was paid by the ‘south group,’ which reportedly includes Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha, arrested the previous week.
Kejriwal, the first sitting Chief Minister to face arrest, has consistently denied all charges leveled against him. Despite spending the night at the agency’s office, he reaffirmed his dedication to the nation. His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, echoed this sentiment, urging public support for her husband’s integrity.
The ED, represented by Additional Solicitor-General SV Raju, detailed their accusations against Kejriwal. They alleged his direct involvement in implementing the contentious policy and favoring the ‘south group’ in exchange for kickbacks. These claims were purportedly supported by witness statements and evidence indicating the utilization of crime proceeds. Moreover, the ED asserted that Rs 45 crore of the kickbacks were allocated to finance AAP’s electoral campaigns in Goa and Punjab in 2022. This financial boost significantly contributed to AAP’s national party status attainment and its victory over Congress in Punjab, securing the party’s first state government outside Delhi.
Furthermore, the ED presented evidence suggesting a money trail linking Kejriwal to the alleged kickbacks. They criticized the Chief Minister for evading nine summonses, deeming his actions as willful disobedience. Raju concluded by characterizing Kejriwal as “the brain behind the party” and holding him accountable for all AAP affairs.
With Kejriwal in ED custody, the investigation into the alleged liquor scam is expected to intensify. The developments have sparked public debate, with supporters rallying behind Kejriwal while critics demand transparency and accountability. As the legal proceedings unfold, the nation watches closely, awaiting further revelations in this high-profile Arvind Kejriwal remanded case.
In summary, the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal underscores the complexities of political accountability and the significance of impartial investigations in ensuring transparency and justice.
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