CM Kejriwal to appear before Delhi court as 6-day ED custody comes to an end

New Delhi, March 28 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will be produced before a court here on Thursday on expiry of his six-day Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in a money laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam. Special Judge Kaweri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court had sent him to ED custody on March 22 after his arrest on March 21.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused interim relief to Kejriwal, who contended that his arrest and remand order were illegal. The ED has accused him of being the “kingpin and key conspirator” of the excise scam, alleging collusion with other ministers, AAP leaders, and individuals. They claim the AAP is a major beneficiary of the proceeds of the alleged liquor scam.

According to the probe agency, Kejriwal was directly involved in formulating the excise policy to favor certain individuals and demanding kickbacks from liquor businessmen in exchange for policy favors. The policy allegedly benefitted the ‘South Group’ and was reportedly formed in collusion with AAP leader Vijay Nair, then Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, and ‘South Group’ representatives.

The ED maintains that Kejriwal could be deemed guilty of offenses punishable under Section 4 of PMLA and liable for prosecution and punishment under Section 70 of PMLA. The high court stated that the probe agency must be given the chance to file a reply before proceeding further, setting the stage for Kejriwal’s court appearance on Thursday.

The ED’s allegations against the CM are serious and could have significant repercussions on his political career and the AAP’s image. As the case progresses, the outcome will be closely watched by both supporters and critics of Kejriwal, with potential implications for the upcoming state elections in Delhi. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.