LI Network
Published on: March 22, 2024 at 22:47 IST
Today Enforcement Directorate (ED) has labeled Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as the “kingpin” and “key conspirator” in the alleged Delhi Excise policy scam in Court. Following his arrest on Thursday, Kejriwal was presented before a special court where the ED asserted its case, claiming Kejriwal’s involvement in formulating the 2021-22 excise policy to favor certain individuals and demanding kickbacks from liquor businessmen.
In a major blow to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Kejriwal has been remanded to six days in ED custody, marking the highest-profile arrest in the ongoing investigation and making him the first sitting chief minister to face such legal action.
The arrest has triggered protests by AAP supporters in the national capital, while the Opposition has criticized the ED’s actions. Additionally, the AAP has declared that Kejriwal will continue to govern from jail, potentially leading to a constitutional crisis as he becomes the first chief minister to operate a government from incarceration.
Key Points on Why ED Arrested Arvind Kejriwal:
- The ED arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday following searches at his official residence and extensive interrogation.
- The arrest is linked to a money laundering investigation concerning the Delhi government’s excise policy case.
- In court, the ED asserted that Kejriwal was the central figure behind the alleged liquor scam in Delhi.
- The case revolves around suspected corruption and money laundering associated with the formulation and implementation of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22.
- According to the ED, leaders of the AAP purportedly received kickbacks amounting to ₹100 crores in connection with the excise policy.
AAP Protest Leads to Delhi Metro Advisory:
- In response to the scheduled AAP protest on Friday, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced the closure of Lok Kalyan Marg Metro Station, which leads to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence.
- The closure follows police directives and aims to maintain law and order during the protests.
- Earlier in the day, the DMRC also closed the ITO Metro Station from 8 am to 6 pm, anticipating disruptions due to the demonstrations.