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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been sent to judicial custody until July 12 in connection with a money laundering case related to the Delhi excise policy. This decision came after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) requested his remand, alleging his involvement in the case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the CBI have accused Kejriwal and his party of misusing the excise policy for financial gains.
Kejriwal and his party, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have denied the charges, labeling them as politically motivated. They argue that the arrest is part of a broader effort by the BJP-led central government to undermine opposition parties. Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, has called the situation a “dictatorship” and compared it to an emergency, asserting that the system is being used to prevent him from obtaining bail.
The Supreme Court has allowed Kejriwal to file a fresh plea challenging the Delhi High Court’s order that reversed his bail, with a hearing set for July 9. During this period, Kejriwal is allowed daily visits from his lawyer and wife, who can also bring him home-cooked food and his prescribed medications.
The Excise Policy Case
- Background:
- The Delhi excise policy, introduced by the AAP government, aimed at privatizing the sale of alcohol in Delhi. The policy has been under scrutiny for alleged irregularities and favoritism towards certain private vendors.
- The CBI and ED have accused Kejriwal and his party members of misusing the policy for financial gains, claiming that the policy was tailored to benefit private liquor vendors in exchange for kickbacks.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
- Arrest by CBI:
- Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the CBI on charges of corruption and money laundering related to the excise policy. The arrest was part of a broader investigation that also implicated other AAP leaders.
- Kejriwal was initially granted bail on June 20, 2024, but the Enforcement Directorate (ED) secured a stay on his bail the following day, leading to his re-arrest.
- Judicial Custody:
- On July 3, 2024, a Delhi court remanded Kejriwal to judicial custody until July 12, 2024. The court order was based on the CBI’s plea that Kejriwal’s continued detention was necessary to prevent him from tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.
- During his custody, Kejriwal is allowed daily visits from his wife and lawyer, and they can bring him home-cooked food and his prescribed medications (Hindustan Times).
- Supreme Court Involvement:
- The Supreme Court has allowed Kejriwal to file a fresh plea challenging the Delhi High Court’s order that reversed his initial bail. The hearing is scheduled for July 9, 2024. The outcome of this hearing will be crucial in determining whether Kejriwal will remain in custody or be released on bail (Hindustan Times).
Political Reactions and Statements
- AAP’s Defense:
- The AAP has strongly denied all allegations, asserting that the charges are politically motivated. They claim that the BJP-led central government is using federal agencies to target opposition leaders.
- Various AAP leaders have publicly defended Kejriwal, accusing the CBI of fabricating evidence and making false statements in court. They argue that the case lacks merit and is part of a political conspiracy (Hindustan Times).
- Public and Political Support:
- Kejriwal’s wife, Sunita Kejriwal, has vocally criticized the authorities, describing the situation as a form of dictatorship and emergency. She has stated that the entire system is working to ensure that Kejriwal does not get bail and remains in custody.
- Other opposition parties have expressed solidarity with Kejriwal, with some leaders calling on the INDIA bloc parties to raise the issue in Parliament. They accuse the BJP of misusing investigative agencies to suppress dissent.
Future Implications
The upcoming Supreme Court hearing on July 9 will be critical for Kejriwal’s immediate future. If the court rules in his favor, he could be released on bail, allowing him to resume his duties as Chief Minister. However, if the court upholds the lower court’s decision, Kejriwal might remain in custody, which could significantly impact his political career and the functioning of the Delhi government.
