On Tuesday, a local court extended Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s judicial custody until September 3. This decision is linked to the ongoing investigation into the alleged excise policy scam.
Kejriwal appeared before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court via video conferencing from Tihar Jail. This extension follows the end of his previous period of custody.
In a counter affidavit filed last week with the Supreme Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) stated that Kejriwal played a crucial role in the formulation of the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy. The CBI alleged that Kejriwal, along with former Deputy Chief Minister and Excise Minister Manish Sisodia, made key decisions that led to the controversy.
The CBI contended that Kejriwal's challenge to his arrest is a political manoeuvre aimed at sensationalising the issue. They argued that court orders have consistently supported the notion that Kejriwal and others were involved in criminal activities, and that these offences have already been acknowledged by the courts.
The investigation revealed that Rs 44.54 crore was allegedly transferred through hawala channels from Delhi to Goa. This money was purportedly used for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) during the 2021-22 Assembly elections in Goa. According to the CBI, Kejriwal not only facilitated these funds but also reassured party candidates about covering election expenses.
Kejriwal’s pleas for bail and a challenge to his arrest are scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court on September 5. Earlier, on July 12, the apex court had granted Kejriwal interim bail concerning a money laundering case filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). However, his release was delayed due to his arrest by the CBI.
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