Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday following an investigation into alleged money laundering connected to the excise policy case. The arrest occurred shortly after the Delhi High Court denied interim protection to Kejriwal in the ongoing probe.
Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were deployed outside Kejriwal’s residence to maintain security, with multiple layers of barricades set up. Despite this, top leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj, gathered at Kejriwal’s residence in support of the chief minister.
The case revolves around accusations of corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was subsequently annulled. The ED alleges that AAP leaders received kickbacks amounting to ₹100 crore in connection with the excise policy. Kejriwal’s name has been mentioned in charge sheets filed by the ED, with the agency claiming that the accused were in communication with him regarding the policy.
AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are already in judicial custody related to the case. Kejriwal had previously ignored eight summons issued by the ED since November the previous year, denouncing them as “illegal and politically motivated.”
Following Kejriwal’s arrest, AAP leader Atishi labeled it a “political conspiracy” unrelated to any investigation. She criticized the timing of the arrest and questioned why the ED did not wait for the court’s verdict. Atishi also stated that they have filed an urgent application with the Supreme Court for a hearing. Despite the arrest, the party affirmed that Kejriwal will not resign and will continue to serve as Delhi’s Chief Minister.
The arrest of Arvind Kejriwal amidst the money laundering probe has stirred controversy, with AAP leaders denouncing it as politically motivated. As legal proceedings continue, the situation remains tense, with supporters rallying behind Kejriwal while the investigation unfolds.
Comments