In a significant development, a Delhi court has extended Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s custody to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) until April 1 in connection with the money laundering probe linked to the alleged liquor policy scam. Kejriwal, arrested on March 21, faced the extension after his six-day ED custody expired.
Special CBI judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Courts passed the order following Kejriwal’s appearance in court. The ED sought the extension, alleging “evasive replies” from Kejriwal during interrogation and the need to confront him with individuals summoned from Goa.
Despite the Delhi High Court declining interim relief to Kejriwal yesterday, the ED pursued the extension. AAP’s Goa unit chief Amit Palekar and other party leaders were summoned by ED for questioning today, highlighting the intensifying probe.
Addressing the court, Kejriwal denounced the case as a “political conspiracy,” asserting lack of evidence against him. He refused to unlock his electronic gadgets, contesting ED’s authority to compel him.
Kejriwal’s arrest prompted an urgent petition before the Supreme Court, later withdrawn. Additionally, he challenged ED’s summons in the Delhi High Court, seeking interim protection, with a hearing scheduled for April 22.
ED alleges Kejriwal’s involvement as the “kingpin” in the Delhi excise scam, orchestrating proceeds of crime exceeding Rs. 100 crores. The agency asserts a conspiracy to grant undue profits to select private companies, implicating Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia.
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