apple-refuses-to-unlock-delhi-cm-kejriwal-s-iphone-for-excise-policy-scam-probe

US-based technology giant Apple has declined to unlock the iPhone belonging to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, citing that the data can only be accessed with a password set by the device owner, reported The Print.

A source within the Enforcement Directorate revealed that the ED had made an "informal" request to Apple to access Kejriwal’s phone as part of the investigation into the excise policy scam, but the request was denied.

“There was no written communication, but Apple was asked to help with opening Kejriwal’s phone as it is required to assist in the investigation, but the request was denied,” the source said, adding that this is not the first time Apple denied access to the agency.

Also read: Kejriwal's jailhouse governance: AAP vows to stand firm amid legal turmoil!

Kejriwal was arrested on the night of 21st March in connection with the excise policy case following hours of questioning at his residence. On the night of his arrest, the CM purportedly turned off his iPhone and declined to divulge the password.

Sources indicate that Kejriwal expressed concerns that allowing access to his mobile phone data and chats would expose details of AAP’s "election strategy" and alliances to the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Also read: Sunita Kejriwal to take charge? : AAP's digital briefings continue in Arvind Kejriwal's absence

The ED informed the court that the Delhi chief minister provided "evasive replies" during five statements recorded daily between March 23rd and 27th.

According to ED sources, the agency possesses "sufficient proof" and "statements of other accused" to substantiate allegations that Kejriwal solicited Rs 100 crore from Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLC K Kavitha in return for favours in the liquor trade in Delhi.

According to the ED, Kejriwal was aware of "how undue favours were being extended to the licensees, like waivers and reductions in the license fee and the extension of the L-1 license (granted to business entities having wholesale distribution experience in liquor trade) in exchange for kickbacks."