Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s judicial custody has been extended until September 3 by a local court in connection with the alleged excise policy scam. The extension was granted during a virtual hearing before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja at the Rouse Avenue Court.
Kejriwal, who is currently held at Tihar Jail, appeared via video conferencing for the proceedings. This extension follows a counter affidavit filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with the Supreme Court, which accused Kejriwal of being heavily involved in the controversial Delhi liquor policy.
In its affidavit, the CBI alleged that key decisions regarding the now-abandoned liquor policy were made at the direction of Kejriwal, in collaboration with former Deputy Chief Minister and Excise Minister Manish Sisodia. The agency claimed that Kejriwal’s arrest is part of an effort to address significant legal violations related to the policy’s formulation.
The CBI has also stated that ₹44.54 crore was allegedly transferred through hawala channels from Delhi to Goa to fund the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) election expenses during the 2021-22 Assembly elections in Goa. The affidavit asserts that Kejriwal assured party candidates about covering their expenses, further implicating him in the misuse of funds.
The CBI has contested Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest, suggesting that he is attempting to politicize the matter. According to the CBI, repeated court orders have confirmed the commission of the offenses for which Kejriwal has been charged.
Kejriwal’s bail plea and challenges against his arrest are scheduled for hearing before the Supreme Court on September 5. The ongoing legal proceedings and the extension of his custody continue to attract significant public and media attention.
Sources By Agencies
