Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in the eye of excise policy scandal, has sought bail from the Delhi High Court on Wednesday. Incarcerated in Tihar Jail by the Enforcement Directorate over money laundering charges, the Aam Aadmi Party leader has also been arrested by CBI on June 26. His detention by CBI is now being contested in the High Court.
An exclusive scoop by Aaj Tak accessed Kejriwal's bail petition, revealing serious allegations against the CBI. The document asserts that Kejriwal had offered complete cooperation when summoned in April 2023. The petition contests that his arrest is entirely illegal and unconstitutional, hinting at a manipulated remand process that is disrupting the entire proceedings. Kejriwal accuses the CBI of continuous harassment under the guise of ongoing investigation.
Clearly a case of harassment: Kejriwal
Describing the situation as a source of grave dismay and concern, Kejriwal stated that the investigation had concluded, and the material forming the basis for his arrest had previously been collected. He insists that a premier investigation agency like the CBI cannot flout legal procedures and must operate with balance and impartiality—dismantling any notion of bias or unilateral perspective. He deems the conduct of the CBI as blatantly malicious, stripping him of his freedom arbitrarily and carelessly.
'An attempt to prevent my release'
In his petition, Kejriwal posits that the apparent targeting for his detention is evident, with evidence on record predating his arrest by nearly two years. The timing of the arrest raises suspicion about it being an attempt to prevent release, delay, and obstruct, especially since he was granted regular bail in the PMLA case.
'CBI aims to usurp Kejriwal's freedom'
Quoting the violation of principles set by Section 41(1)(B)(c) of the CRPC, Kejriwal argues that his penal confinement is a calculated move to steal his liberty and hold him captive without just cause. A review of records relied upon by the CBI reveals that the so-called evidence, forming the foundation for his prosecution, was already presented, identifying many accused long before.
CBI accused of torment and trouble: Kejriwal's claim
In his bail plea to the Delhi High Court, Kejriwal alleges torment and trouble by the CBI, condemning the agency's malevolent conduct. The Delhi CM reports that the CBI is exploiting the ongoing investigations to harass him, something he stresses as deeply disappointing and worrisome. He emphasizes that key agencies like the CBI cannot play fast and loose with the law, urging them to uphold fairness and impartiality.
According to Kejriwal, he had fully cooperated with the CBI in April 2023. His petition adamantly states that his arrest is utterly illegal, unconstitutional, and unstable, with regularly issued remand orders affecting the arrest and corresponding proceedings. As part of his plea, Kejriwal asserts that the investigation had in fact concluded—and material for his arrest had been collected long before.
