Arvind Kejriwal arrested by CBI from Tihar Jail ahead of Supreme Court hearing

In a significant development, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday, June 25, from Tihar Jail in connection with allegations surrounding a now-defunct liquor policy. This action followed a day after CBI officials recorded Kejriwal’s statement within the confines of the prison. The investigation pertains to the Excise Policy case, with further legal proceedings set for Kejriwal’s production before a trial court scheduled for the following day.

The arrest coincides with the Delhi High Court’s decision to stay a previous ruling that granted regular bail to Kejriwal, an outcome initially allowed by a trial court but later contested. Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain criticized the trial court’s handling of the case, noting a lack of proper appreciation of the documents and arguments, and a failure to meet mandatory conditions under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The timing of these legal challenges has sparked considerable political debate. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh took to social media to voice concerns, suggesting that the timing of Kejriwal’s potential release by the Supreme Court and his subsequent re-arrest by the CBI appears orchestrated by political adversaries. Singh’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among AAP supporters who believe the charges are politically motivated.

The backdrop to this arrest is the controversial Excise Policy introduced by the Delhi government on November 17, 2021, and subsequently scrapped in September 2022 following corruption allegations, which AAP staunchly denies. The policy has been a focal point of accusations and legal scrutiny, intertwining governance with ongoing political strife.

Prior to his latest arrest, Kejriwal was temporarily released on bail during the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, where he participated in several public gatherings and campaigned vigorously for his party before returning to custody just days before the vote counting on June 4. This brief period of freedom highlighted his continued influence in Indian politics, despite the legal challenges he faces.