Arvind Kejriwal Sent To ED Custody Till March 28, AAP Says ‘ED Forced Witnesses To Give Statements Against Delhi CM
New Delhi: After hearing arguments from both sides, Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Friday remanded Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody until March 28 in the money laundering case related to the scrapped liquor policy scam. Reacting to the court’s decision, Delhi Cabinet Minister and AAP leader Atishi stated that her party “very respectfully and humbly disagree with the decision.” She alleged that the ED coerced witnesses in the case to give statements against CM Kejriwal.
“We, very respectfully and humbly disagree with the decision of the court. ED has no proof even after 2 years of investigation… ED forced their witnesses to give statements against Arvind Kejriwal… We will explore all possible legal routes… One by one opposition parties are being targetted in front of the judiciary… Arvind Kejriwarl will always be the CM of Delhi. There is no Constitutional bar on him not being the CM. He has not been convicted till now..,” she said.
#WATCH | Arvind Kejriwal has been sent to ED custody till March 28 by Delhi court.
AAP leader Atishi says, “We, very respectfully and humbly disagree with the decision of the court. ED has no proof even after 2 years of investigation… ED forced their witnesses to give… pic.twitter.com/eYoaGCadFI
— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2024
According to Delhi Chief Minister’s lawyer, Madan Lal, ED demanded 10 days custody of Kerjiwal but the court has given 6-day custody. “ED was asking for a 10-day remand. They said that to trace the money trail, a custodial investigation is necessary. Considering all aspects, the judge gave a 6-day custodial remand. He will be presented here again on 28 March. ED argued that the money used for the Goa elections was ill-gotten. They said they have statements of some witnesses which prove this fact..,” he said.
#WATCH | Delhi court remands CM Arvind Kejriwal to ED custody till 28 March in excise policy case.
Arvind Kejriwal’s lawyer Madan Lal says, “ED was asking for a 10-day remand. They said that to trace the money trail, a custodial investigation is necessary. Considering all… pic.twitter.com/FrNLrbrFse
— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2024
The court heard CM Kejriwal’s argument challenging his arrest. On the other hand, the central agency had sought custody of the Aam Aadmi Party chief for 10 days. During the hearing ED termed the Delhi CM “kingpin” and “key conspirator” in the alleged scam. It said in the court that Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia were the middle between the ‘south group’ and other accused.
As per the central agency, the total proceeds of the alleged scam exceeded Rs 600 crore; including Rs 100 crore allegedly paid by the ‘south group’ which includes BRS leader K Kavitha. She was arrested by the agency last week.
However, Kejriwal, in first sitting, denied all charges.
In his first reaction after the arrest, the Delhi CM said, “my life is dedicated to the nation”.
His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, took to X and wrote, “Your Chief Minister always stood with you.. whether inside or outside (jail), his life is dedicated to the country.”
Earlier in the day, AAP leaders alleged that they were stopped by the Police to meet the family members of the Delhi CM.
Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi alleged that the party leaders who marched towards the residence of Delhi CM Kejriwal in the Civil Lines area were stopped and denied meeting Kejriwal’s family.
“We have come to meet Arvind Kejriwal’s family but police and administration are not allowing us to go inside. Democracy can’t be murdered like this and we can’t be stopped from raising our voices. The people of Delhi are with Arvind Kejriwal,” Oberoi told ANI.
Later, selected AAP MLAs, Chief Whip Dilip K. Pandey, Mayor Shelly Oberoi, Cabinet Ministers Imran Hussain and Raaj Kumar Anand, were allowed to enter the residence of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.