Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s recent arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on charges related to alleged corruption in granting liquor licenses has sparked a wave of reactions and protests. Kejriwal, known for founding the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) a decade ago with an anti-corruption agenda, found himself in ED custody following the Delhi High Court’s refusal to shield him from coercive action in a money laundering case linked to the excise policy.
Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, condemned the arrest as a “betrayal of the people of Delhi.” She expressed solidarity with her husband’s dedication to serving the country, emphasizing that the public is aware of his commitment.
The Enforcement Directorate’s move against Kejriwal, characterized by his party as an attempt to tarnish his image, unfolded after he ignored multiple summons related to the money laundering investigation. Three of his party colleagues are already in jail awaiting trial in the same case.
The arrest triggered protests from AAP supporters, with hundreds taking to the streets to denounce what they perceive as political targeting. Despite the legal turmoil, AAP remains firm that Kejriwal will not step down as Chief Minister and is prepared to govern from jail if necessary.
In court, senior lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, criticized the arrest as unnecessary, highlighting the unprecedented nature of a sitting chief minister being detained. The ED, however, argued that Kejriwal played a central role in an alleged liquor policy scam, seeking a ten-day custody to further investigate the matter.
The Delhi liquor policy case revolves around accusations of corruption and money laundering linked to the formulation and execution of the city government’s excise policy. Kejriwal’s name features prominently in the ED’s charge sheets, alleging collusion with accused individuals for personal gains tied to the policy.
This arrest follows closely on the heels of BRS leader K Kavitha’s detention by the ED, with allegations of conspiracy involving top AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, in manipulating the Delhi excise policy for illicit benefits. The ED claims Kavitha facilitated payments of ₹100 crore to AAP leaders in exchange for favorable policy outcomes.
Sources By Agencies
