(Image source from: PTI)
The custody of Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi, has been extended by the Rouse Avenue Court for an additional four days. Following a previous seven-day custody, the Enforcement Directorate had requested for an extension to further question the Aam Aadmi Party leader in relation to the liquor policy case. Mr. Kejriwal, in a defiant manner, directly addressed the court today and accused the probe agency of attempting to suppress his party. He emphasized that no part of the alleged ₹100 crore in bribes had been recovered and no court had found him guilty. Mr. Kejriwal questioned the reason for his arrest, highlighting that his name only appeared four times in the extensive chargesheets filed by the CBI and ED, with one of those instances being C Arvind instead of Arvind Kejriwal. Despite having limited time to speak, he expressed his concerns regarding the basis of his arrest.
Sisodia's secretary has informed the authorities that Mr. Sisodia, who was taken into custody in February, handed over "certain documents". Mr. Kejriwal questioned the validity of his arrest, as his name was mentioned only four times, once being referred to as 'C Arvind'. He stated that MLAs frequently visited his house to discuss government matters and provide files. Mr. Kejriwal expressed his dissatisfaction, wondering if such a statement was sufficient to arrest a sitting Chief Minister. Anticipation had been building for Mr. Kejriwal's revelation in this case, with his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, announcing that he would divulge information regarding the alleged ₹ 100 crore. During the court proceedings, Mr. Kejriwal highlighted the statements made by the government witnesses who had previously been arrested in this case, suggesting that they were coerced into accusing him. He alleged that the ED had a single objective - to trap him. Mr. Kejriwal raised concerns about the selective presentation of statements, as only those that implicated him were taken into account by the court. He further explained that one witness had given six statements without mentioning the Chief Minister, yet they were released following the seventh statement that did.
The Chief Minister raised concerns about a massive scam worth 100 crore rupees, questioning the whereabouts of the funds. Additionally, he mentioned another witness named Sarath Reddy, alleging that this individual had given a donation of 50 crore rupees to the BJP. With confidence, he stated that he possessed evidence of their involvement in an organized fraudulent scheme.
