Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, currently in ED custody over an excise policy-related money laundering case, is scheduled to appear before the Rouse Avenue court in the city at 11 am today, April 1.
On March 28, the court extended Kejriwal’s ED custody until April 1. The Enforcement Directorate had arrested the AAP leader on March 21 in connection with an alleged liquor policy case. The investigative team sought an extension on Thursday, citing the necessity to further interrogate the Delhi CM and confront him with other individuals. The ED informed the court about ongoing statements being recorded from some AAP Goa candidates.
Representing the ED, ASG SV Raju stated, “He is deliberately not cooperating with us,” emphasizing that Kejriwal’s statements have been recorded but have yielded evasive replies. Kejriwal, presenting his case in court, argued that a false narrative of AAP corruption has been propagated nationwide. He questioned the basis for his arrest, citing being named by four witnesses in the excise policy case.
“It is a political conspiracy, and the people will respond to it,” Kejriwal asserted during his last appearance at the Rouse Avenue court on March 28, marking the end of his ED custody.
On March 31, prominent leaders from the INDIA bloc, including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar, and Tejashwi Yadav, organized a protest against Kejriwal’s ED arrest at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi. Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, participated in the ‘Save Democracy’ rally. Sunita Kejriwal read out a letter penned by her husband in jail during the rally, where Kejriwal pledged six guarantees on behalf of the Opposition’s INDIA bloc.
These guarantees encompassed 24-hour electricity nationwide, free electricity for the underprivileged, government schools in every village and locality, Mohalla Clinics, MSP for farmers, among others. The ED has responded to two revisions filed by Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal challenging the summons issued on Saturday. Special judge Rakesh Syal has scheduled the matter for argument on April 24.
The ED has alleged Kejriwal’s involvement as a key conspirator in the liquor scam. According to the agency, Kejriwal received substantial kickbacks from the ‘South Group’ for formulating Delhi’s excise policy and utilized these funds during the Goa and Punjab elections.