Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday extended the judicial custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till August 8 in the CBI case regarding the Delhi excise policy scam. This development follows the previous extension, which was set to end today.
Background and Timeline
Kejriwal has been in jail since March 21, facing charges of money laundering under the investigation of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). On May 10, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail for 21 days to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections, after which he returned to prison on June 2.
Court Proceedings
In the latest hearing, Special Judge Kaveri Baweja extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody. He appeared via video conferencing from Tihar Jail. The court directed the ED to provide Kejriwal’s counsel and other accused with copies of the supplementary charge sheet.
Supplementary Charge Sheets
On July 9, the court acknowledged the supplementary charge sheet against Kejriwal and AAP, as well as against Vinod Chauhan and Ashish Mathur. This is part of the seventh and eighth supplementary charge sheets in the money laundering case linked to the Delhi excise policy.
Arrests and Allegations
The ED arrested Kejriwal on March 21. Other individuals arrested in connection with this case include Manish Sisodia, BRS leader K Kavitha, Sanjay Singh, and various businessmen. The ED has alleged that Kejriwal demanded a bribe of Rs. 100 crores, which went to AAP for the Goa election campaign.
Evidence and Opposition to Bail
ASG SV Raju, opposing Kejriwal’s bail plea, cited evidence of Hawala transfers amounting to approximately Rs 45 crore. These transfers are corroborated by call records, data from a Hawala firm in Goa, and witness statements. The ED also presented proof of cash payments made to support the AAP campaign in Goa.
Stay updated with the latest developments in the Delhi excise policy scam case and Arvind Kejriwal’s judicial proceedings.