Delhi Court Delays Verdict On Arvind Kejriwal’s CBI Custody Request

Delhi’s Rouse Court has reserved its decision on the case involving Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal, whose three-day custody with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) ended on Saturday. Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on Wednesday in connection with a liquor policy case. Initially seeking five days of remand to confront him with evidence, the CBI was granted three days.

The CBI has argued that Kejriwal’s custody was necessary to present him with pertinent documents related to the case. They alleged that Kejriwal implicated former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, attributing the privatization idea to him. Kejriwal refuted these claims in court, asserting his innocence and that of other AAP leaders, including Sisodia.

“I am innocent, and so are the other AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia,” Kejriwal stated in court. “I deny blaming Sisodia. The CBI is manipulating media headlines to falsely portray my involvement.”

In addition to this case, Kejriwal is also detained in Tihar jail concerning his alleged involvement in a money laundering investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The Delhi liquor policy case revolves around allegations of irregularities in the 2021-22 excise policy, including modifications, undue favors to licensees, and the extension of L-1 licenses without prior approval.

While the CBI focuses on corruption charges, the ED is investigating the money laundering aspect of the case.