Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s custody under the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to conclude today, with the central agency expected to produce him in court regarding the alleged liquor policy scam. Kejriwal has been in ED custody since March 21, operating his government from within the lock-up. Initially, his custody was extended until April 1 by a local court after its expiration on March 28.
Kejriwal has taken legal action against his arrest, contending that his fundamental rights were violated by the probe agency. The Delhi High Court issued a notice to the ED in response to his plea, with the next hearing scheduled for April 3. He has denounced his arrest as a “political conspiracy,” sparking protests from his party and the opposition, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
During a recent mega rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan, prominent opposition leaders demanded the release of Kejriwal and former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who was also arrested by the ED earlier in a separate case. Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, has played a pivotal role in addressing his supporters and conveying his messages from the lock-up.
In her fiery speech at Ramlila Maidan, Sunita Kejriwal criticized the central government and shared messages from her husband, including six election promises ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. She has also expressed concerns about his health, revealing that he is diabetic and has experienced fluctuations in his blood sugar levels, with reports indicating dangerously low levels.
International attention has been drawn to Kejriwal’s arrest, with the UN, as well as the US and Germany, expressing hopes for the protection of rights ahead of elections. India has responded by summoning US and German envoys to protest their comments on the Chief Minister’s arrest.
Kejriwal’s arrest is part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged liquor policy scam, with him being the third Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader to face charges related to the case. The excise policy, introduced to reform the liquor business in Delhi, was scrapped following allegations of irregularities. The ED suspects that the policy facilitated significant profits, with alleged bribe money being utilized to fund AAP’s election campaigns.
Despite these developments, Kejriwal’s legal battle continues as he challenges the circumstances surrounding his arrest. The outcome of the court proceedings and ongoing investigations will likely have significant implications for both Kejriwal and the political landscape in Delhi.
As the situation unfolds, the public remains engaged, awaiting further developments and potential ramifications of this high-profile case. Kejriwal’s arrest has ignited debates surrounding political motives, transparency in governance, and the broader issue of corruption in Indian politics.
