Today, the Delhi High Court will listen to a request from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, contesting his arrest and detainment by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case linked to the excise policy.
Kejriwal was sent to judicial custody till April 15th by the court on Monday, following his arrest by the ED on March 21st after a two-hour interrogation at his official residence in Delhi. This marks the first time a serving chief minister has been arrested by the ED.
Earlier, on March 27th, the high court declined to provide interim relief to Kejriwal, stating that the matter raised significant issues that couldn't be hastily decided without hearing from the agency. The court requested the ED to respond to the challenge regarding his arrest and subsequent custody.
The ED has labeled Kejriwal as the "kingpin" and "key conspirator" of the "excise scam." During Tuesday's court hearing, the agency asserted that there are substantial grounds to believe, based on evidence in their possession, that Kejriwal was involved in money laundering.
According to the ED's response, "Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of NCT of Delhi, is the kingpin and key conspirator of the Delhi Excise Scam in collusion with Ministers of Delhi Govt, AAP leaders, and other persons." The response further elaborated on Kejriwal's direct involvement in formulating the Excise Policy 2021-22.
The response alleges that the AAP has engaged in money laundering through Kejriwal, and the offenses fall under section 70 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002.
"The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is the major beneficiary of the proceeds of crime generated in the Delhi Liquor Scam," the response continues. It asserts that Kejriwal not only controls the AAP's major activities but was also involved in the decision-making process regarding the policy, as indicated by witness statements.
The hearing today is expected to shed further light on the ongoing legal battle surrounding Kejriwal's custody and the allegations against him.
Arvind Kejriwal's First Day in Tihar: Delhi CM Starts Jail Life with Breakfast at 6:40 am
AAP Claims Atishi, Raghav Chadha, and More Leaders to Face Imminent ED Arrests
CM Kejriwal Jailed Until April 15; Wife Sunita Calls It Dictatorship