Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal arrested by ED in excise policy case

ED claimed that the accused were in touch with CM Kejriwal to formulate the excise policy that resulted in undue benefits to them, in return for kickbacks to AAP

After skipping nine summons from the Enforcement Directorate, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the federal agency in connection with the Delhi liquor policy money laundering case late at night.

On March 21, two hours after the Delhi High Court refused to protect Kejriwal from arrest, a team of ED officials arrived at his residence to summon him to join the investigation in the Delhi liquor policy case.

Delhi minister Atishi said the Aam Aadmi Party has moved to the Supreme Court for quashing the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal. She also said that Kejriwal will continue to hold the post of Chief Minister.

We have moved the Supreme Court for quashing the arrest of Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal, by ED. We have asked for an urgent hearing by the Supreme Court tonight itself.

— Atishi (@AtishiAAP) March 21, 2024

The agency had issued nine summons in two separate cases, including alleged irregularities in the Delhi Jal Board and the excise policy case.

The Delhi chief minister was instructed to appear before the agency. However, he consistently skipped all summons, contending that they were “illegal” and politically motivated.

All nine summons were issued to Kejriwal at different intervals, November 2, 2023, December 22, 2023, January 3, January 18, February 2, February 14, February 22, February 27 and March 21.

Also read: ED arrests Arvind Kejriwal: Will Delhi get new CM like Jharkhand?

Kejriwal had also appeared in person before the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate on March 16, who had summoned him in connection with a complaint filed by the ED due to non-compliance with its summons.

He was then granted bail in relation to the court’s warrant, subject to furnishing a bond of Rs 15,000 and a surety of the same amount.

Kejriwal’s counsel had argued that the Delhi Chief Minister was not provided certain documents, but it was objected by the ED’s counsel, saying it was a ploy to delay the proceedings of the case.

AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are already in judicial custody in connection with the excise policy case. Kejriwal’s name has been mentioned multiple times in the chargesheets filed by the ED.

Also read: Kejriwal’s Arrest: Will AAP survive its biggest crisis or disintegrate?

The agency has alleged that the accused were in touch with Kejriwal to formulate the excise policy that resulted in undue benefits to them, in return for which they paid kickbacks to the AAP.