Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Sent to Judicial Custody Till July 12
New Delhi, June 29: The Rouse Avenue Court of Delhi has sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to judicial custody until July 12, 2024, in connection with the excise policy case. Vacation Judge Sunena Sharma made the decision on Saturday.
CBI’s Allegations
Advocate DP Singh, representing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), argued that Kejriwal did not cooperate during his police custody remand. The CBI claimed that Kejriwal gave evasive replies and failed to provide a truthful explanation regarding the increase in profit margins for wholesalers under the new Excise Policy of Delhi 2021-22.
The CBI also alleged that Kejriwal could not justify why the revised Excise Policy was hurriedly approved during the peak of the second wave of COVID-19. Additionally, he evaded questions about meetings between his associate Vijay Nair and various liquor business stakeholders, as well as the transfer of Rs. 44.54 crores for the Goa Assembly Elections.
Concerns About Influence
The CBI expressed concerns that Kejriwal, being a prominent politician, might influence witnesses and tamper with evidence. This led to the decision to send him to judicial custody.
Previous Custody and Courtroom Presence
Earlier, on June 26, Kejriwal was sent to three days of CBI custody. On Saturday, he was produced in court at the end of this remand period. Several Aam Aadmi Party members, including Sunita Kejriwal, Sanjay Singh, and Saurabh Bharadwaj, were present in the courtroom.
Kejriwal’s Defense
In court, Kejriwal denied making any statements against his colleague Manish Sisodia, claiming that the CBI was trying to defame him and his party. Senior Advocate Vikram Chaudhari, representing Kejriwal, opposed the remand application, arguing that the CBI had already filed four chargesheets and that the arrest was unnecessary.
CBI’s Investigation
The CBI detailed their investigation, mentioning meetings between liquor barons and Kejriwal’s associates during the COVID-19 lockdown. They also highlighted the preparation of a report by the South Group, which was sent to the Lieutenant Governor’s office.
Next Steps
The court has asked the CBI to present the material they have for Kejriwal’s arrest. The Delhi High Court recently stayed Kejriwal’s bail order, stating that the trial court should have recorded its satisfaction with the conditions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act before passing the order.
