Under arrest in the Delhi liquor policy case, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's convoy reached the Rouse Avenue Court amidst speculation. Addressing the media outside the court, Kejriwal called the accusations a political plot that will be answered by the public. Present were four cabinet ministers of Delhi: Gopal Rai, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Atishi, and Raj Kumar Anand.
Sunita Kejriwal, his spouse, has made claims that today inside the courtroom, Arvind Kejriwal will unveil significant revelations concerning the liquor scandal, drawing all eyes to the Rouse Avenue Court for his touted exposé.
Today marks the end of Kejriwal's custody by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), as they prepare to present him in court for a potential extension. Sources suggest that the ED seeks an additional seven days of custody with certain deliberations:
- An extensive array of documents could be laid before him.- He has not been "cooperative" during interrogation.- Needs to confront other accused persons.- To ascertain how bribes were received and criminal proceeds utilized.
Even as Kejriwal's ED custody concludes today, the federal investigation agency actively queries others such as the AAP Goa President Amit Palekar, Ramarao Wagh, and two others, summoning them in relation to the alleged excise scam. Amit Palekar has already reached the ED office after being instructed to record his statement either in Goa or Delhi.
No Respite from High Court
Earlier on Wednesday, the Delhi High Court denied interim relief to Arvind Kejriwal regarding his arrest and ED custody. The court has sought a response from the ED and scheduled the next hearing for April 3rd, escalating the political tumult following Kejriwal's arrest with confrontations intensifying between the BJP and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
All Eyes on the Court
The political climate in Delhi heats up along with the temperature, as spotlight intensifies on Kejriwal's arrest. Yesterday saw protests by both the AAP and the BJP, either opposing or supporting the arrest respectively. The AAP's legal cell also staged demonstrations in Delhi courts. The critical question, however, remains what revelation Kejriwal will make today and whether it brings him relief from ED custody or compounds his difficulties.
Kejriwal's Arrest - The Excise Scandal Background
It's crucial to know that the Delhi Chief Minister was taken into custody by the ED after nearly two hours of interrogation on March 21 from his official residence. The court ordered his detention until March 28 in connection with the Delhi liquor scam. Kejriwal has not resigned the Chief Ministership post his arrest, with AAP leaders asserting he will continue as Delhi's Chief Minister and if necessary, govern from jail.
New Excise Policy – What Was It All About?
- Manish Sisodia announced the new liquor policy on March 22, 2021.- The Excise Policy 2021-22 was implemented on November 17, 2021.- Following the new policy, the government stepped out of the liquor business, leaving all shops in private hands.- The government argued that the policy would put an end to the mafia regime and increase revenue.- However, the policy was mired in controversy from the start, leading to its retraction on July 28, 2022, and reverting to the previous policy.
