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Sunita Kejriwal Claims Husband’s Arrest Is A “Political Conspiracy

July 6, 2024, 4:48 pm

Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, has released a video message claiming that her husband is a victim of a “deep political conspiracy.” She alleges that he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) based on a false statement from a witness.

Sunita Kejriwal said that the arrest was based on the statement of NDA MP Magunta Sreenisaulu Reddy (MSR). She explained that on December 17, 2022, the ED raided MSR’s residence and questioned him about meeting Arvind Kejriwal. Initially, MSR said he met Kejriwal to discuss buying land in Delhi. However, the ED was not satisfied with his statement and even arrested MSR’s son.

Facing pressure, MSR changed his statement on July 17, 2023. He then claimed that he met Kejriwal on March 16, 2021, and was asked to start a liquor business in Delhi, with a promise to give ₹100 crore to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The day after this new statement, MSR’s son was released on bail. Sunita Kejriwal insists that this new statement is a lie.

Sunita urged the public to support her husband, describing him as an honest, educated, and patriotic man. She warned that if the public does not stand by him, it might discourage other educated individuals from joining politics, given how Arvind Kejriwal is being treated.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has stated that their investigation into the roles of other accused individuals is complete, and only Arvind Kejriwal’s role is still being probed. Kejriwal is in judicial custody until July 12, following a plea by the CBI, and is also facing charges in a money laundering case related to the excise policy.

In court on July 3, Kejriwal highlighted the importance of family support during his consultations with dieticians, emphasizing that certain instructions needed to be conveyed to his family on humanitarian grounds.

Delhi: Security Tightens at AAP HQ Before Protest Over Kejriwal’s Arrest

June 29, 2024, 12:54 pm

Security measures outside the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) headquarters in Delhi have been significantly strengthened in anticipation of a planned protest against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, according to reports. Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj criticized the coordinated efforts between national agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), suggesting it reflects the central government’s intent to keep Kejriwal in jail.

“The coordination between ED and CBI shows that the Central Government wants to ensure that Arvind Kejriwal stays in jail…We will raise our voice against it in the whole nation,” Bhardwaj stated.

AAP had earlier announced a nationwide protest against Kejriwal’s arrest, following a decision made during a meeting at the party headquarters led by AAP’s National General Secretary (Organisation) Sandeep Pathak. The gathering, attended by top AAP leaders including MPs, MLAs, and councillors, focused on condemning what they allege is the BJP government’s misuse of investigative agencies to target Kejriwal.

Pathak accused the BJP-led central government of orchestrating a political vendetta, stating, “The BJP’s central government is misusing all the central investigation agencies for its political vendetta…Their aim is not to investigate any case nor do they have anything to do with the law.”

He added, “All AAP leaders expressed confidence that the entire public of Delhi is with CM Arvind Kejriwal and we all will fight this battle against injustice along with the people of Delhi.”

AAP contends that Kejriwal was granted bail by a trial court in the liquor case but the ED subsequently obtained a stay on his bail from the High Court. The party alleges that Kejriwal’s arrest by the CBI, after two years of inactivity, was timed to prevent him from securing bail from the Supreme Court.

Previously, Kejriwal was called in by the CBI as a witness in April 2023 and was not implicated as an accused for over a year. AAP claims the CBI’s actions lack evidence and are politically motivated, aimed at undermining Kejriwal and the AAP.

Delhi Liquor Policy Case: Arvind Kejriwal’s CBI Custody Ends, Set to Appear Before Delhi Court Today

June 29, 2024, 9:48 am

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to appear in court today as his three-day custody comes to an end. Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on Wednesday in connection with the liquor policy case and will appear before the Rouse Avenue court at 7 pm.

The CBI had requested five days of remand but was granted three, arguing that Kejriwal’s custody was necessary to confront him with evidence and documents. The agency also claimed that Kejriwal had implicated former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, attributing the privatization idea to him.

Kejriwal’s lawyer, Vikram Chaudhary, opposed the CBI’s plea for custody, calling it an abuse of power and requesting access to documents.

During the hearing, Kejriwal addressed the court, asserting his innocence and that of other AAP leaders, including Sisodia. He accused the CBI of manipulating media headlines to falsely portray his involvement and denied blaming Sisodia.

Kejriwal is currently in Tihar jail in connection with an alleged money laundering case being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The Delhi liquor policy case involves alleged irregularities in the 2021-22 excise policy, including modifications, undue favours to licensees, and the extension of L-1 licenses without prior approval. The CBI is probing corruption charges, while the ED is investigating the alleged money laundering aspect.

In July 2022, Delhi’s then Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena recommended a CBI probe into the AAP government’s 2021-22 excise policy, citing “deliberate and gross procedural lapses,” according to a report by Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar.

Following the Home Ministry’s directions for an inquiry, the CBI registered a case in August 2022 against Manish Sisodia, three Delhi government officials, ten liquor licensees, and others.

The CBI’s FIR states that the accused were involved in recommending and making decisions about the 2021-22 excise policy without the approval of the competent authority, intending to extend undue favours to the licensees post-tender.

Delhi Excise Policy Case: Kejriwal withdraws Plea from SC, to file fresh

June 26, 2024, 1:21 pm

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday withdrew his plea challenging the Delhi High Court’s June 21 order, which granted an interim stay on his regular bail in the Delhi excise policy case being investigated by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED).

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, announced plans to file a new petition challenging the High Court’s June 25 final order that stayed the trial court’s decision to grant regular bail to Kejriwal. A vacation bench of Justices Manoj Misra and SVN Bhatti permitted Kejriwal to withdraw his plea and granted him the liberty to submit a fresh petition.

Singhvi informed the bench that the CBI had also arrested Kejriwal in connection with the case.

On June 21, the High Court had granted an interim stay on bail while reserving its order, responding to a plea from the Enforcement Directorate seeking to prevent Kejriwal’s release. Kejriwal appealed to the Supreme Court against the High Court’s order.

On June 24, the Supreme Court adjourned the matter to June 26, noting that the High Court’s decision to grant an interim stay on bail without a final order was “unusual.”

On June 25, the High Court issued its final order, maintaining the stay on Kejriwal’s release. The High Court criticized the trial court vacation judge’s bail order, citing a lack of thorough review of the ED’s evidence and describing the judge’s observations as “uncalled for, unwarranted and out of context.”

Kejriwal Taken for Tea Due to Sugar Level Drop in Court Following Arrest By CBI

June 26, 2024, 12:41 pm

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was brought out of the courtroom when his blood sugar dropped, and he was provided with tea and biscuits in the Ahlmad room. Earlier in the day, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) formally arrested Arvind Kejriwal, who also serves as the AAP national convenor, regarding the Delhi excise policy case. The CBI presented Kejriwal before Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Wednesday.

#WATCH | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was brought out of the courtroom for tea and biscuits after his sugar level dropped. He was taken to the Ahlmad room. pic.twitter.com/XOqHLiPVyw

— ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2024

The trial court had initially granted bail to Kejriwal on June 20, setting his release on a personal bond of Rs 1 lakh. The Delhi excise policy, which was scrapped in 2022 following the lieutenant governor’s directive for a CBI investigation, has been at the center of these allegations. The CBI and ED assert that irregularities were committed during the modification of the policy, with undue favours allegedly extended to license holders.

Delhi High Court Stays Arvind Kejriwal’s Bail, Leaving AAP’s Future Uncertain

June 21, 2024, 3:54 pm

A day after securing bail from a trial court in a money laundering probe linked to the Delhi excise policy case, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal relief was short-lived as the Delhi High Court halted the order pending further hearings. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) swiftly moved the High Court on 21 June to challenge the lower court’s decision, creating an uncertain future for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader.

Arrest and Interim Bail

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on 21 March and has been in judicial custody at Tihar Jail since 1 April. His interim bail allowed him temporary freedom to campaign for the recent Lok Sabha elections. However, after a brief respite, his regular bail was contested by the ED, claiming the agency had substantial evidence linking Kejriwal to illicit fund transfers via hawala channels, purportedly used in AAP’s Goa Assembly election campaign.

Legal Battle and Controversy

Special Judge Niyay Bindu granted Kejriwal bail on Thursday, rejecting the ED’s plea to delay the order by 48 hours. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, accused Kejriwal of non-cooperation, particularly regarding the disclosure of phone passwords. Raju argued that under Section 70 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Kejriwal, as the head of AAP, bore responsibility for any illegal activities linked to his party.

Kejriwal’s defense, led by Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhri, countered by questioning the timing of the arrest, suggesting it was politically motivated, coinciding with the Lok Sabha polls. Chaudhri dismissed the ED’s evidence as unreliable, claiming it was based on coerced statements from detained individuals who had turned approvers.

Political Consequences

The bail order was a significant moment for AAP, which hailed it as a “victory of truth.” Senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh criticized the BJP, alleging that the entire case was a part of a broader political conspiracy. This sentiment was echoed across AAP’s ranks, bolstering the party’s narrative of political victimization.

यह न्याय और सत्य की बहुत बड़ी जीत है। देश की जनता बहुत खुश है। पार्टी कार्यकर्ता भी बहुत खुश हैं।

आज बीजेपी के झूठ का पर्दाफ़ाश हुआ है और यह साबित हो गया है कि यह सब BJP की साजिश थी।

–@SanjayAzadSln pic.twitter.com/Q1Lf4T5UAp

— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) June 20, 2024

However, BJP leader Manjinder Sirsa dismissed the notion that the bail indicated a lack of evidence against Kejriwal, emphasizing that the same court had earlier ordered his detention. The BJP is poised to leverage these allegations in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, aiming to undermine AAP’s credibility.

AAP’s Strategic Outlook

Despite a poor showing in the Lok Sabha elections, where AAP failed to secure any seats in Delhi and managed only three in Punjab, the party remains focused on the forthcoming Assembly elections. An AAP insider stressed the importance of regrouping and strategizing to secure a third term, drawing parallels to their previous rebounds in 2014 and 2019.

Kejriwal’s release could rejuvenate the party’s base, providing momentum for the crucial elections. However, the Delhi CM faces pressing issues, such as the city’s ongoing water crisis and administrative challenges, which require immediate attention. The implementation of the Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Rashi scheme, which promises financial aid to eligible women, is likely to be a priority.

Future Challenges

The Mayoral elections, pending since April, and a potential reshuffle of the National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA), which handles bureaucratic affairs in Delhi, are also on the horizon. Kejriwal’s ability to navigate these challenges while under the shadow of the money laundering allegations will be crucial.

The Delhi High Court’s decision to stay the bail order leaves Kejriwal in a precarious position. While his bail has provided a temporary boost to AAP’s morale, the ongoing legal battle and the political ramifications of the case could significantly impact both Kejriwal’s political future and AAP’s performance in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. The outcome of the High Court’s review will be a pivotal moment for Kejriwal and his party, determining their trajectory in the complex landscape of Delhi politics.

AAP Calls For Meeting In Delhi Post Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Results

June 6, 2024, 1:53 pm

After the Lok Sabha election results, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has convened a meeting of all Delhi MLAs today.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Chief Minister’s residence at 5 p.m. in the national capital to discuss the Lok Sabha election results, as per sources.
Senior AAP leaders, including Atishi, Sanjay Singh, Gopal Rai, and Sandeep Pathak, will participate in the meeting.

In the Lok Sabha polls, the AAP, in alliance with the INDIA bloc, secured three seats in Punjab, a slight improvement from its 2019 performance when it won only one seat. However, the party did not win any seats in the national capital.

The party’s vote share was 1.11%.

On Wednesday, the INDIA bloc held a meeting at Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge’s residence in Delhi.

Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Congress leader KC Venugopal, Kalpana Soren (JMM MLA and wife of former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren), and Revolutionary Socialist Party leader NK Premachandran attended the meeting.

AAP MP Raghav Chadha, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, NCP (SCP) chief Sharad Pawar, Supriya Sule, Dipankar Bhattacharya, and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin were also present.

After the meeting, Congress President Kharge thanked the people for their support and stated that the bloc would continue to oppose the BJP’s fascist rule under PM Modi.
Kharge stated in a press conference after the meeting, “The constituents of the INDIA bloc express gratitude to the people of India for the overwhelming support received by our alliance. The people’s mandate has provided a strong response to the BJP and their politics of hate and corruption. This mandate is in defense of the Constitution of India, against inflation, unemployment, crony capitalism, and to uphold democracy. The INDIA bloc will continue to oppose the fascist rule of the BJP under Modi.”

Indian Union Muslim League general secretary PK Kunhalikutty, while dismissing the possibility of forming a government by the opposition bloc, said they would wait for the “right time.”

According to the Election Commission of India, the BJP won 240 seats, significantly lower than its 2019 total of 303. The Congress, however, saw a substantial increase, winning 99 seats.

Kejriwal Alleges Atishi To Be Targeted for Arrest in Political Crackdown

May 29, 2024, 2:46 pm

After Court summoned AAP leader Atishi in a defamation case, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal claimed that she is next in line to be arrested and called it complete dictatorship.

In a post on X, Kejriwal said, “I had said earlier that they would arrest Atishi next. They are planning to do so now. Complete dictatorship. In completely flimsy, frivolous and false cases, they are arresting all functionaries of AAP one by one. Every single opposition leader will be arrested if (Narendra Modi) ji comes back to power. AAP is not important. Saving our dear country from dictatorship is important.”

Atishi responded, “I want to know from BJP how they formed the government in Goa, Manipur, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh without a majority. BJP will have to answer how MLAs from other opposition parties reach BJP. It will also have to answer how it happens that NCP splits into two, and how CBI-ED cases against all their leaders who joined BJP ended one by one.”

She added, “BJP should answer how all cases of Economic Offences Wing against Ajit Pawar, his wife, and his nephew got closed after he joined BJP. ‘Operation Lotus’ of BJP is well known and AAP need not answer this.”

Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor claimed that Kejriwal was manipulating political or legal developments. “For more than two years, he and his colleagues, including Atishi, kept blaming BJP for running Operation Lotus. But now, by filing a defamation suit, we have made Atishi accountable towards the law of the land,” he said. Kapoor, who filed the defamation suit, added, “To take action or not is now in the purview of the court, but if CM Kejriwal and Atishi fear arrest or legal action so much, then they should apologize to BJP workers and end the matter.”

‘He lost 7 kg of weight’: Atishi on Delhi CM’s Interim Bail Extension Plea

May 27, 2024, 11:17 am

AAP leader Atishi revealed that Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has requested a 7-day extension of his interim bail. She highlighted that during his periods in ED and judicial custody, Kejriwal underwent a notable weight loss of 7 kg, a concern flagged by doctors. Despite receiving medical supervision post-release, he hasn’t been able to recover the lost weight. Initial tests indicated elevated ketone levels, raising concerns of potential serious ailments like kidney damage or cancer. Consequently, doctors advised a battery of tests, including a full-body PET scan, to assess his health

AAP leader Atishi tweeted on X “Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has filed for a 7-day extension of his interim bail. When he was in ED custody, judicial custody, he lost 7 kg of weight. This sudden weight loss is a matter of concern for doctors. Despite being out of custody and under medical supervision, he has not been able to regain that weight again. Early tests have indicated that his ketone levels are extremely high. Unexplained sudden weight loss along with high ketone levels could be the indicator of some serious medical ailments, including damage to the kidneys, including cancer. Therefore doctors have suggested that he needs to have a set of series of investigations including PET scan of his entire body and other such serious tests…”

#WATCH | AAP leader Atishi says, "Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has filed for a 7-day extension of his interim bail. When he was in ED custody, judicial custody, he lost 7 kg of weight. This sudden weight loss is a matter of concern for doctors. Despite being out of custody and under… pic.twitter.com/D2GEsKr1jt

— ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2024

Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has submitted a request to the Supreme Court, seeking to extend his interim bail by seven days.

Earlier Delhi Minister Atishi expressed concern over Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s health when he was in judicial custody. She also mentioned that he had lost 4.5 kg weight since his arrest and suffers from “severe diabetes”. Atishi criticized many times to the BJP for allegedly conspiring against Kejriwal and putting his health at risk.

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by Enforcement directorate on 21st Mrach 2024. In relation to the Delhi excise policy case.

Delhi CM Files Plea For 7-Day Extension of Interim Bail for Medical Tests

May 27, 2024, 9:11 am

Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, has submitted a request to the Supreme Court, seeking to extend his interim bail by seven days. Kejriwal, who requires PET-CT scan and additional medical tests, has requested the extension to complete the necessary investigations.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal files a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking an extension of his interim bail by 7 days. Delhi CM Kejriwal has to undergo PET-CT scan and other tests. Kejriwal asked for 7 days to get the investigation done: Aam Aadmi Party

— ANI (@ANI) May 27, 2024

Kejriwal, granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on May 10 in connection with a money laundering case linked to Delhi’s excise policy, is permitted to engage in election campaigning until June 1. However, he is required to surrender to jail authorities on June 2 and is barred from holding the position of Chief Minister during this period.

As the Lok Sabha polls progress, with Delhi scheduled for May 25, the AAP and the Congress have formed an alliance for the elections. The AAP is contesting in four seats, while the Congress is contesting in three.

Delhi Excise Case: Court extends judicial custody of Manish Sisodia and others

April 26, 2024, 1:22 pm

In a recent development in the ongoing Delhi excise case being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Delhi court has extended the judicial custody of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Manish Sisodia, along with Vijay Nair and other accused individuals. The extension has been granted until May 8, 2024, as the investigation continues.

The case revolves around allegations of money laundering, with the ED actively probing various aspects of financial irregularities. Manish Sisodia, a prominent leader within the AAP and the Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, has been under scrutiny in connection with this case.

During the court proceedings, arguments were presented regarding the need for further custody to facilitate a thorough investigation into the alleged financial misconduct. The court considered these arguments and decided to extend the judicial custody of Sisodia, Nair, and the other accused until the 8th f May.

This extension underscores the complexity and seriousness of the allegations being investigated by the ED. The authorities continue to gather evidence and conduct inquiries to establish the facts surrounding the alleged money laundering activities.

Manish Sisodia, known for his active involvement in Delhi’s governance and AAP’s political initiatives, has maintained innocence in this matter. The legal proceedings are expected to unfold as the investigation progresses in the Delhi excise case, shedding more light on the intricacies of the case.

Delhi Court extends judicial custody of CM Arvind Kejriwal, K Kavitha till May 7

April 23, 2024, 3:06 pm

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader K Kavitha, and Aam Aadmi Party’s purported Goa elections fund manager Chanpreet Singh are placed under judicial custody until May 7 according to a Delhi court. This extension relates to the money laundering case associated with the Delhi excise policy, which is now inactive. Additionally, in a different CBI case involving the same policy, the court extended Kavitha’s judicial detention until May 7. Through a virtual conference, all three were brought before the court.

The verdict came after Arvind Kejriwal’s petition for his wife Sunita Kejriwal to accompany him to daily, 15-minute medical sessions with his doctor was denied. The court ordered that the required medical care be given, and that the Tihar jail administration contact a medical board made up of an endocrinologist and a diabetologist if further specialised advice is required.

A Delhi court agreed with the Tihar Jail officials that Arvind Kejriwal cannot be treated differently from other prisoners and that the statutes and jail manual must apply equally to all, turning down the chief minister’s request on Monday for a video conference appointment with a private doctor.

The board was established by the AIIMS director. As his blood sugar level spiked, Kejriwal was given a “low dose” of insulin on Monday night, according to Tihar jail officials. On Hanuman Jayanti, the AAP applauded this development and attributed it to the god’s blessings. According to a Tihar official, Kejriwal received two units of low-dose insulin on Monday night, as recommended by the physicians at AIIMS.

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after the Delhi High Court declined to grant him protection from coercive action by the agency. Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, remains in judicial custody in both ED and CBI cases. The CBI arrested the Telangana MLC from Tihar Jail following her arrest by the ED in a money laundering case related to the alleged scam. Conversely, Chanpreet Singh, allegedly managing funds for the Aam Aadmi Party during the Goa assembly elections of 2022, was arrested by the ED. These funds were purportedly obtained through bribes in connection with the Delhi excise policy.

Delhi Excise case: Kejriwal’s counsel withdraws video consultation request

April 18, 2024, 3:28 pm

In a recent development in the ongoing Delhi Excise policy case, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s legal team has decided to withdraw their application seeking permission for Kejriwal to consult his regular doctor via video conferencing. This decision was disclosed during the court proceedings of April 18, marking a notable shift in the case dynamics.

The ED counsel responded to this move by suggesting that the accused, might be preparing grounds for seeking bail. This observation adds a layer of speculation to the situation, hinting at potential legal maneuvers in the near future.

Delhi Excise policy case: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s counsel submitted that they were withdrawing the application seeking permission to consult his regular doctor through video conferencing.

ED’s counsel said that they (accused) are making a ground for bail.

— ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2024

In the early development of this case, Kejriwal has filed a court application requesting approval for virtual consultations with his regular doctor due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Special Judge Rakesh Syal instructed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to respond to the request, with the court scheduling a hearing on April 18th for further consideration.

The case concerns charges of money laundering and corruption related to the formulation and implementation of the excise policy for 2021–2022 by the Delhi Government, which was later canceled.

Delhi excise policy case: Arvind Kejriwal’s judicial custody extended till April 23

April 15, 2024, 2:55 pm

The Delhi Court extended the judicial custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until April 23 on Monday in the money laundering case linked to the scrapped liquor policy.

Kejriwal, arrested on March 21, appeared virtually before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Courts as his previous judicial custody expired. The court cited the need to extend custody until April 23, aligning with the conclusion of co-accused BRS leader K Kavitha’s judicial custody.

Previously, AAP leader Kejriwal had approached the Supreme Court, contesting a Delhi High Court ruling that dismissed his plea against arrest by the ED and subsequent remand in the excise policy case. The High Court, on April 9, rejected his petition for release from jail, dismissing claims of political vendetta amidst the impending Lok Sabha elections. It emphasized Kejriwal’s non-cooperation with nine ED summons over six months, suggesting his arrest was a foreseeable consequence.

Challenging the High Court’s decision, Kejriwal’s appeal argued the absence of incriminating material in the possession of the Enforcement Directorate to justify guilt under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The appeal asserted that his arrest relied solely on subsequent, conflicting, and significantly delayed statements of co-accused turned approvers.

The ED arrested Kejriwal on March 21 in connection with a money laundering probe related to alleged irregularities in the now-defunct Delhi excise policy for 2021-22.

SC to hear today Arvind Kejriwal’s plea against his arrest by ED in Excise policy case

April 15, 2024, 9:20 am

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a plea from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and subsequent remand in connection with the Delhi excise policy case on Monday. Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta will preside over the hearing.

Arvind Kejriwal has appealed to the top court contesting a Delhi High Court judgment that dismissed his plea on April 9, rejecting his claim of political vendetta amidst the upcoming Lok Sabha election.

As per the Delhi High Court, the probe agency possessed sufficient evidence to justify the arrest, asserting it was a consequence of his non-cooperation with the ED. Despite being summoned nine times in the case, Kejriwal did not appear before the agency.

The 103-page verdict by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma observed that the timing of the Chief Minister’s arrest could not be attributed to the central agency.

Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 in connection with the money laundering probe linked to alleged irregularities in the now-cancelled Delhi excise policy and was remanded to judicial custody until April 15 in the last hearing. He is the first sitting CM to face arrest in the case and is currently detained in Tihar jail.

Apart from Kejriwal, AAP leader Manish Sisodia has been in custody since February last year in connection with the excise policy case. While Sanjay Singh was also arrested in the case, he was recently granted bail.

The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22. The policy aimed to rejuvenate the city’s liquor business by replacing the sales-volume-based regime with a license fee for traders, promising improved stores for customers. However, it was scrapped shortly after Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena called for a CBI probe into alleged irregularities.

SC to hear CM Kejriwal’s plea against arrest on April 15

April 13, 2024, 1:06 pm

The Supreme Court of India is scheduled to hear Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on April 15. This follows the Delhi High Court’s recent decision to uphold his arrest by the central agency.

A bench comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta will be presiding over the matter, according to news agency ANI.

Arvind Kejriwal was taken into custody by the Enforcement Directorate last month as part of a money laundering investigation related to the Delhi excise policy case. Last week, a Delhi court remanded him to judicial custody until April 15.

Kejriwal subsequently approached the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court ruled that there had been no violation of legal provisions in his case.

CM Kejriwal approaches SC after Delhi HC’s verdict in Liquor policy case

April 10, 2024, 9:42 am

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has petitioned the Supreme Court one day after the Delhi High Court rejected his request challenging his arrest in the liquor policy case. The lawyer for the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party plans to present the case to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud at around 10:30 am, requesting an expedited hearing.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court on Tuesday rejected the petition of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in which he had challenged the trial court’s order of his arrest and custody by the ED. Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma took note of ED’s argument that there was enough evidence to arrest Kejriwal.

The court said, “The files and evidence placed before us show that the ED has followed the law. The order of the trial court is not a two-line order. The ED has the hawala dealers’ as well as the AAP candidates’ details and statements who were involved in the Goa elections. Last week, ED had filed its counter affidavit on Kejriwal’s petition.”

ED had arrested Delhi CM on March 21 following Kejriwal’s continuous disapproval of summons sent by ED. The AAP leader had repeatedly escaped summonses in connection with the money laundering issue. Later ED presented evidences in the court that mentioned the charge that Mr. Kejriwal was actively involved in the use and concealment of purported profits of crime.

No Transactions Established, Yet AAP Leaders Held, AAP leader Atishi Slams ED

April 6, 2024, 1:05 pm

Aam Admi Party (AAP) leader Atishi criticised the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Saturday and said that no transactions have been established by the central agency but it still held its party leaders.

She accused the BJP of filing fake cases against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal through the use of central agencies like ED, the Central Bureau of Investigation, and the Income Tax and Election Commission.

Delhi BJP president Virendraa Sachdeva hit back at her allegations and stated that many layers are coming out in the alleged liquor scam.

“ED has been investigating the money trail in this so-called liquor scam. ED is still investigating the money trail linked to any leader of AAP, but they didn’t get a single penny of proceeds from crime from any AAP leader.” the Delhi education minister in today’s press conference said.

Arvind Kejriwal, was apprehended by the ED in connection with the alleged Delhi excise policy scam case on March 21, has been sent to judicial custody until April 15. He is currently held in Tihar jail.

“The Supreme Court has continuously asked ED, where is the money trail linked to AAP?… But ED has no answer for this. Justice Sanjiv Khanna says the money trail has not been proven, it’s debatable. But many AAP leaders have been arrested under this case even after no money trail,” Atishi said.

The AAP leader remarked that the BJP should not hide behind the central agencies and fight the elections but instead should compete on the basis of their performance.

“BJP files all kinds of false cases against AAP & its leader, Arvind Kejriwal, through agencies under them like the ED, CBI, I-T and Election Commission of India. The case of Goa was also similar when the ECI sent a notice to Arvind Kejriwal on the complaint filed by the BJP. But, yesterday, the Goa Court dismissed the case, citing it as baseless,” she alleged.

“I want to say to the BJP that if they want to face AAP politically, then they shouldn’t try to fight the elections by hiding behind the agencies. If you have the courage, then come forward and fight the elections based on your work,” the AAP leader said.

Virendraa Sachdeva said, “Many layers are being unfolded in the liquor scam. When CBI will interrogate (BRS leader) K Kavitha, I think many things will come out, many more faces will be unmasked…”

The case is connected with the alleged irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the Delhi excise policy 2022, which was later scrapped.

AAP workers protesting against Kejriwal’s arrest detained by police

March 28, 2024, 12:07 pm

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers protesting the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate were detained by the police. The AAP workers were demonstrating and distributing leaflets against Kejriwal’s arrest at the ITO Delhi metro station.

“We were keeping our point only and they (the police) are detaining us,” said one of the AAP workers. The party workers have been protesting in Delhi since Kejriwal’s arrest.

Kejriwal is scheduled to appear before the court on Thursday at the end of his ED custody in the Delhi excise policy money laundering case. He was arrested on March 21 in connection with the alleged money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy.

The AAP cadre is expected to escalate its protests in the national capital. The INDIA bloc will also hold a joint rally at the Ram Leela Maidan on March 31 in protest against the arrest.

The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi excise policy in 2022. The initial prosecution complaint filed by the ED in November 2021 stated that the policy was intentionally designed with loopholes, facilitating the formation of cartels clandestinely to favor AAP leaders.

The ED also accused AAP leaders of receiving kickbacks from a group of individuals referred to as the “South Group.” The case originated from a report presented by Delhi Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vinai Kumar Saxena in July 2022, highlighting purported procedural deficiencies in the development of the policy.

The report alleged that “arbitrary and unilateral decisions” taken by Sisodia as Excise Minister had resulted in “financial losses to the exchequer” estimated at more than Rs 580 crore. This report was referred to the CBI, leading to Sisodia’s arrest.

While Kejriwal was not named in the FIRs registered by the ED or the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Delhi excise policy case, his name first appeared in the ED’s chargesheet, where the agency claimed that he allegedly spoke to one of the main accused, Sameer Mahendru, in a video call and asked him to continue working with co-accused and AAP communications-in-charge Vijay Nair.

‘Gangs run from jail’ says BJP leader Manoj Tiwari over AAP’s CM plan

March 23, 2024, 12:23 pm

The Bharatiya Janata Party expressed strong disapproval on Saturday morning in response to the Aam Aadmi Party’s assertion that Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal would administer the government from jail, stating that only “gangs” operate from within prison walls.

BJP Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari asserted that the citizens of Delhi were jubilant over Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest. Tiwari alleged that the AAP leader had plundered the national capital, causing widespread suffering.

“He has dedicated himself to bringing Delhi to the brink of ruin. Delhi residents are deeply aggrieved by him, which is why sweets were distributed following his arrest. His administration has failed to accomplish anything in Delhi; instead, they have engaged in embezzlement and lined their pockets. Kejriwal has pillaged Delhi,” Tiwari stated to ANI.

Arvind Kejriwal was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday night regarding the liquor policy case, making him the first sitting chief minister to be incarcerated.

On Friday, the AAP declared that Arvind Kejriwal would remain in office as the Delhi Chief Minister and would govern from jail. The BJP has demanded Arvind Kejriwal’s resignation on ethical grounds.

“Those who continually proclaim they will govern from jail should remember: jails are known to house gangs, not governments,” Manoj Tiwari remarked.