New Delhi: The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi extended the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) remand of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till April 1 in the alleged liquor policy scam case, as announced on Wednesday.
During the hearing, the ED, while seeking further remand, informed the court that data extraction from one mobile phone, belonging to Kejriwal’s wife, had been completed and is under analysis. However, data extraction from the other four digital devices seized from Kejriwal’s premises on March 21, 2024, is pending as the Chief Minister has sought time to provide password/login credentials after consulting with his lawyers.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja acceded to the ED’s request and extended the remand period until April 1, 2024.
Addressing the court himself during the proceedings, Arvind Kejriwal questioned the basis of his arrest, highlighting that only four statements, including one from C Arvind, implicated him. He expressed incredulity at the notion that such few statements could warrant the arrest of a sitting Chief Minister.
Kejriwal also raised concerns about electoral bonds, alleging BJP’s involvement in receiving money and accused the ED of pressuring individuals to change their statements.
“The real liquor scam begins post the ED investigation. The motive of the ED is to crush the Aam Aadmi Party,” Kejriwal asserted.
While seeking custodial remand, the ED informed the court that statements of three other individuals relevant to the case had been recorded during the remand period. Additionally, C. Arvind, who was handed over the draft GoM report 2021-22 at Kejriwal’s residence, was confronted during this period.
The court also saw the presence of Atishi, Saurabh Bharadwaj, and Gopal Rai alongside Kejriwal’s wife and children.
In parallel proceedings, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the ED on a petition filed by Arvind Kejriwal challenging both his arrest and the remand granted by the trial court. While refusing immediate relief, the court emphasized the importance of affording the ED an opportunity to respond, ensuring a fair hearing for both parties.
Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, argued for immediate release, citing the arrest’s timing during the Model Code of Conduct and its potential impact on electoral fairness.
Responding, the ED sought time to file a detailed reply, alleging deliberate withholding of information to undermine their preparedness.
Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21 marked a significant moment in Indian political history as the first time a serving Chief Minister has been apprehended. The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in the framing and implementation of the Delhi excise policy 2022, which was later scrapped.
While not initially named in the FIRs, Kejriwal’s involvement surfaced later in the ED’s chargesheet, alleging his collusion and active participation in the conspiracy.
As legal battles intensify, Kejriwal’s arrest underscores the high-stakes nature of Indian politics, with implications reaching beyond individual cases to the broader democratic fabric of the nation.
