Delhi's Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, found himself in Tihar Jail on April 1, beginning a 15-day judicial custody in connection to an old liquor policy case. Starting his first day behind bars, Kejriwal adhered to the prison's regulations, beginning with tea and breakfast at 6:40 am, according to reports.
Kejriwal has been permitted by the court to bring home-cooked meals and his prescribed diabetes medications during his stay in Jail Number 2 until April 15. Despite his stature, Kejriwal has been assigned a modest cell measuring 14 feet by 8 feet, typically reserved for convicts rather than undertrials like himself.
During his time in confinement, Kejriwal will be in isolation, equipped with a table and chair to accommodate three books per court instructions. Among his chosen reading material are copies of Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, and Neerja Chowdhury's "How Prime Ministers Decided by Journalists."
Reportedly, Kejriwal chose to use his own bed instead of the standard issue, despite the limited space. He's also been observed stocking essential items like a sugar sensor, glucometer, isabgol, glucose, and toffees on his table, ready for any emergencies related to his sugar levels.
Kejriwal's daily routine in jail includes an early rise, breakfast, and tea at 6:40 am, followed by lunch at 11 am. He's required to return to his cell at noon and remain there until 3 pm. In the afternoon, he'll receive tea and biscuits between 3:30 pm to 4 pm, and around 4 pm, he can meet with his lawyers. Dinner is served between 5:30-6 pm, and by 7 pm, he's locked in for the night.
In his leisure time, Kejriwal has access to around two dozen TV channels, spanning news, sports, and entertainment. Additionally, he's allowed visits from family members twice a week.
This isn't Kejriwal's first stint in Tihar Jail; he was previously incarcerated in 2014 for refusing to post bail in a defamation case filed by BJP leader Nitin Gadkari. Currently, other AAP leaders like Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, and Sanjay Singh are also in Tihar Jail, along with K Kavitha, a Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader and daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao.
Kejriwal's transfer to jail came after the conclusion of his Enforcement Directorate custodial remand on Monday afternoon. The ED has painted him as the central figure in an alleged scam, accusing him of providing evasive responses and withholding vital information during the investigation.
AAP Claims Atishi, Raghav Chadha, and More Leaders to Face Imminent ED Arrests
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi Targets Arvind Kejriwal over Refusal to Resign After Court's Decision
How Kejriwal Seeks Religious Books and Medication in Jail, ED Custody Extended