New Delhi,
A 12-member team from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at his residence in North Delhi’s Civil Lines this evening. The arrest comes after the Delhi High Court refused to grant CM Kejriwal protection from coercive action in the excise policy case earlier today.
Arvind Kejriwal becomes the first sitting chief minister to be arrested and jailed in India.
#WATCH | Enforcement Directorate team takes Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal to ED Headquarters.
He was arrested by ED in the Excice Policy Case. pic.twitter.com/WPkB1ciIBD— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2024
Urgent Supreme Court Appeal
CM Kejriwal has immediately moved to the Supreme Court, seeking an urgent hearing to challenge the Delhi HC's order and the validity of certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). The Supreme Court is expected to address the matter promptly, with an urgent hearing requested "tonight itself," according to Delhi Minister Atishi.
Political Reactions:
- Delhi Minister Atishi and AAP leader affirmed that Kejriwal will not resign, asserting that he will continue to serve as Delhi CM.
- Priyanka Gandhi criticized the arrest, calling it unconstitutional and condemning the political pressure faced by opposition leaders.
"Targeting Delhi Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal in this manner due to elections is completely wrong and unconstitutional. Lowering the level of politics in this manner suits neither the Prime Minister nor his government," said Priyanka Gandhi
- AAP leaders and supporters have gathered outside Kejriwal's residence, expressing solidarity and protesting against the arrest.
-After Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was taken into custody by the ED in connection with an excise policy case today, Saurabh Bharadwaj stated,
"We have stated previously that if he is arrested, he will govern from jail and that stance has not changed."
- Vygr Media reached out to Delhi’s Health Minister, Saurabh Bharadwaj, for comments, but the call landed with his social media team.
Legal Manoeuvres:
- The Delhi HC declined CM Kejriwal's application for interim relief from ED's coercive actions, citing an inclination to refrain from passing such an order at this stage.
- Kejriwal's legal team has approached the Supreme Court seeking relief and challenging the HC's decision.
Security Measures:
- Heavy security has been deployed outside Kejriwal's residence, with Section 144 imposed in the vicinity.
- Protests and gatherings of AAP supporters have been observed outside his residence, with heightened security measures in place.
#WATCH | Rapid Action Force (RAF) present outside the residence of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.
Enforcement Directorate team is present at Arvind Kejriwal's residence for questioning. pic.twitter.com/9LAYYjjin4— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2024
#WATCH | AAP workers stage protest outside the residence of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.
Enforcement Directorate team is present at Arvind Kejriwal's residence for questioning. pic.twitter.com/CmvqWuYUmY— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2024
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