Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case linked to excise policy. Kejriwal withdrew his plea at the Supreme Court and was produced before a special PMLA court for custodial interrogation. He is now the first sitting chief minister to be arrested.
RULING- The Delhi Court's Special Judge Kaveri Baweja remands CM Arvind Kejriwal 6 days of ED custody, till 28 march regarding the Delhi excise policy 'scam'.
#WATCH | "Whether I am inside or outside, my life is dedicated to the country," said arrested Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal as he was produced before Rouse Avenue court by ED following his arrest yesterday.
(Video source: AAP) pic.twitter.com/A9YGNlxIGy— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2024
- ED seeks Kejriwal's remand to recover the money trail. Speaking for the ED, SV Raju emphasises the necessity of Kejriwal's remand to trace the money trail associated with the alleged scam.
- Arvind Kejriwal's counsel challenges the validity of multiple approvers. Senior advocate Ramesh Gupta argues against the possibility of having more than one approver in a case, highlighting discrepancies in their statements.
- ED raises objections to multiple counsels representing Kejriwal. Senior Advocate Ramesh Gupta begins his argument for Kejriwal, prompting objections from the ED regarding the number of counsels involved in the defence.
- Kejriwal questions the timing of his arrest. Senior advocate Vikram Chaudhuri queries the timing of Kejriwal's arrest, suggesting political motivations behind the decision to detain him.
- Discrepancies highlighted in ED's stance on Kejriwal's role. Chaudhuri points out inconsistencies in the ED's characterization of Kejriwal's involvement, contrasting their current allegations with earlier statements made by the agency.
- 'ED became judge, jury and executioner, alleges Arvind Kejriwal in court.' Representing Kejriwal, senior advocate Vikram Chaudhuri asserts that the ED's actions demonstrate a disregard for due process, with the issuance of a notice immediately following his release on bail.
- 'I'm not an accused: Kejriwal tells the Delhi court.' Chaudhuri emphasises that Kejriwal was summoned in his personal capacity, not as the CM of AAP, and asserts that he is not an accused in the case.
- Abhishek Manu Singhvi cites out the names of those who have spoken out against Kejriwal. Singhvi highlights discrepancies in the statements of individuals who have spoken against Kejriwal, suggesting that their testimonies lack credibility.
- 'PMLA is still an act of India...not some other republic': Singhvi. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi reiterates the significance of the PMLA within the Indian legal framework.
- 'Apart from being liable as an individual, the CM is also vicariously liable': ED. ASG SV Raju, representing the ED, emphasises the CM's vicarious liability as the head of AAP, which benefited the company.
- 'AAP used proceeds from the South group in Goa election campaigning': ED. The ED claims that proceeds of crime totaling about Rs. 45 crore from the South group were utilised by the AAP in Goa election campaigning in 2021–22.
- ED describes the role of other accused in excise policy as a'scam'. The ED is now describing the role of other accused, including Chanpreet Singh, in the excise policy scam.
- 'Whether in jail or outside, my life is dedicated to serving India': Arvind Kejriwal. The CM expresses his dedication to serving the nation while entering the Rouse Avenue court.
- ED describes Arvind Kejriwal's involvement in the "scam" around the Delhi excise scheme. The ED reads excerpts from BRS MLC K Kavitha's detention documents that describe Kejriwal's involvement in the purported scheme. The remarks of Dinesh Arora, another approver, were also cited by the ED.
- Delhi News Live Update: Lok Kalyan Marg metro station to remain closed till further notice. On advice of the Delhi Police, Lok Kalyan Marg Metro station will also remain closed in addition to the ITO Metro station till further notice, says the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
Vygr on ground: Delhi CM Kejriwal ED case, tightened security.
📹 @Ayanangsha#ArvindKejriwal #ArvindKejriwalArrested #ED @AamAadmiParty @dir_ed @ArvindKejriwal pic.twitter.com/KLs32japAQ— VYGR News (@Vygrofficial) March 22, 2024
- Kejriwal was kingpin of liquor policy 'scam': ED tells court. The ED states, "He was the kingpin of the scam. He was involved in the conspiracy to favour certain businesses and received kickbacks by granting favours to them."
-ED wants to detain Arvind Kejriwal for ten days. The CM will be detained for ten days, per the ED's request. The ED is represented by ASG SV Raju, who argues that Kejriwal has been given the reasons for his arrest.
- ED Zoheb Hossain's Special Counsel informs the court that the ASG SV Raju is not permitted inside.
- Sr advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi to represent Kejriwal in court. The CM is being represented by senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi in Delhi's Rouse Avenue Court, while ASG SV Raju will argue ED's case.
- Before the hearing, Arvind Kejriwal is on his way to Rouse Avenue Court. Arvind Kejriwal is being transported from the ED headquarters to Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, where he will appear in court for the money laundering issue related to the excise policy.
Updates from before the Rouse Avenue hearing:
#WATCH | Enforcement Directorate produces Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal before Rouse Avenue court following his arrest yesterday pic.twitter.com/xet3JmDjwc— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2024
Kejriwal was arrested after months of evading summons from the investigation agency, citing them as illegal. The Delhi High Court's refusal to grant interim protection escalated the situation.
Key Highlights for the morning:
- Legal Proceedings: Kejriwal will be produced in Rouse Avenue Court as the ED sought his custody in relation to the now-scrapped liquor policy. The central agency pressed charges of corruption against him.
- Legal Manoeuvres: Kejriwal withdrew his plea against the arrest from the Supreme Court, signalling a shift in legal strategy. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is expected to visit Kejriwal's residence, showing solidarity amid the turmoil.
- Political Backlash: The arrest triggered widespread condemnation, with leaders like Sharad Pawar and Mamata Banerjee criticising it as an abuse of power by the BJP government. Protests erupted across the country, with AAP workers and supporters demanding Kejriwal's release.
- AAP leaders, including Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and Atishi, were detained during a protest against the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate in the excise policy case. The protest took place at ITO, near AAP and BJP headquarters, and was aimed at securing Kejriwal's rights.
- Security Measures: Heavy security arrangements were made around AAP and BJP headquarters, anticipating protests. Section 144 was imposed in key areas, and paramilitary forces were deployed to maintain order.
Sanjay Raut Speaks on Arvind Kejriwal's arrest. #shivsena #AAP #ArvindKejriwalArrested @rautsanjay61 @AamAadmiParty @ArvindKejriwal
📹 @Ayanangsha pic.twitter.com/QVFHx43l74— VYGR News (@Vygrofficial) March 22, 2024
Media Sources: X(VYGR, ANI)
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