Arvind Kejriwal Remanded in ED Custody Till March 28 in Liquor Policy Case
Desk Report, March 22, 2024: In a significant development, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, has been ordered to remain in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for six days, until March 28. This decision came a day after his arrest in connection with the Delhi liquor policy scam. The ED had initially sought a 10-day custody for Kejriwal.
The ED has alleged that Kejriwal is the mastermind behind the liquor scam. According to the agency, the money trail from the scam leads to the Goa election campaign in 2022. The ED further claims that Kejriwal solicited substantial bribes from stakeholders in the liquor policy, promising them undue favours. This money, the agency alleges, was subsequently used in the Punjab and Goa elections.
Representing Kejriwal in court, senior advocate and Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued against the ED’s demand for custody. Singhvi emphasized that custody should not be the standard procedure and questioned the necessity of Kejriwal’s continued detention.
Key Points from the Court Hearing:
-ED’s Revelations: For the first time, the ED labeled Arvind Kejriwal as the kingpin of the Delhi liquor policy scam. The agency also revealed that Vijay Nair, who acted as a middleman in the case, was residing near the Chief Minister’s residence and had a close working relationship with him.
-ED’s Request for Custody: The ED sought a 10-day remand for Kejriwal to thoroughly investigate the money trail. According to the ED, AAP candidates informed them that they had received cash to contest for the party in Goa.
-Kickback Allegation: The ED claimed that the south cartel, represented by K Kavitha, paid a kickback of ₹100 crore to Kejriwal, which was subsequently used by AAP in the Goa election.
-Singhvi’s Counterargument: Abhishek Manu Singhvi countered the ED’s claims, stating that there was no solid ground for Kejriwal’s arrest. Singhvi pointed out that the ED’s basis for arrest was primarily testimonies from individuals who had turned approver. He further criticized the ED’s approach, stating, “All those who turn approver develop back pain, and the court does not oppose bail on this ground.”
Reacting to the court’s decision, Delhi Minister Atishi described the day as a dark one in the history of democracy in India. She criticized the BJP for allegedly using the ED as a political tool and claimed that no proceeds of crime had been found against AAP leaders by the ED.
Union Minister Smriti Irani addressed a press conference post the court’s order. She pointed out that Kejriwal did not refute any of the allegations made against him in court. “Kejriwal did not deny seeking a bribe from the south cartel or meeting with Kavitha,” Irani stated.
She further added, “Today, the ED presented the money trail in court. Kejriwal spent ₹45 crore in the Goa election, and this was not denied by his legal team either.”
Also read: Assam Fire Officer Caught Red-Handed Accepting Bribe for Fire Safety Certificate
