ED secures 7-day custody of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in liquor policy scam

In a late-night development, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was remanded to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody for seven days, till March 28, following a city court’s hearing regarding his arrest connected to the alleged liquor policy scam. The ED sought a 10-day custody for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, labeling him as the “kingpin” and “key conspirator” in the scam that supposedly netted proceeds exceeding ₹600 crore, including ₹100 crore allegedly from the ‘south group,’ a faction the ED claims involves Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha, who was arrested last week.

Kejriwal, marking a historical moment as the first sitting Chief Minister to be arrested, has refuted all accusations. The AAP has contested the ED’s claims, asserting the agency’s failure to recover any illegally acquired cash. The Chief Minister, who spent the night at the ED’s office, will be represented by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

In the courtroom, Additional Solicitor-General SV Raju, representing the ED, depicted Kejriwal as intricately linked to the scam, allegedly acting as a mediator between the ‘south group’ and other accused figures, including the arrested ex-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP officer Vijay Nair.

The investigation unveiled allegations of funds from the scam being funneled into the AAP’s election campaigns in Goa and Punjab in 2022, bolstering AAP’s national party status and securing a state government outside Delhi.

The ED’s stern criticism of Kejriwal for evading nine summons and the emphasis on his central role within the AAP has intensified the legal and political drama surrounding the Chief Minister. The agency highlighted a “history of destruction of electronic evidence,” asserting the necessity of custody to prevent further tampering.

This case, underscored by Singhvi’s defense questioning the grounds for Kejriwal’s arrest and the integrity of the ED’s claims, has sparked significant public and political discourse, reflecting deeper issues within India’s democracy and judicial processes. With the legal battle unfolding, the repercussions on Kejriwal’s political career and the broader political landscape remain to be seen, as the AAP insists on Kejriwal continuing his duties as Chief Minister amidst these turbulent times.

The custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over allegations related to the liquor policy scam marks a critical juncture in India’s political and legal realms. The case not only scrutinizes the transparency and accountability of elected officials but also highlights the intricate balance between legal proceedings and political dynamics. As the legal proceedings progress, the outcome could significantly influence public trust in political institutions and set precedents for handling high-profile political cases in India.