Arvind Kejriwal named Atishi, Saurabh in Delhi liquor scam: ED tells court

The Enforcement Directorate told the Rouse Renvue court hearing the Delhi liquor policy scam case that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was misleading the interrogation by naming fellow ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj in the case, India Today reported.

Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, further told the court on April 1 that the AAP supremo was not cooperative with the investigation and even refused to share his phone password.

The court was further informed by the ED that the AAP supremo told them that “Vijay Nair didn't report to him but to Atishi Marlena and Saurabh Bharadwaj and his interaction with Vijay Nair was limited [sic].”

Vijay Nair is the former communication-in-charge of the AAP and is among the accused in the liquor policy case.

The ED had sought 15-day judicial custody of Kejriwal, saying he was "totally uncooperative".

Speaking to reporters before entering court, the AAP leader said, "Whatever the prime minister is doing(referring to his arrest) is not good for the country".

AAP ministers Atishi, Saurabh Bhardwaj and Kejriwal's wife Sunita Kejriwal were present in court.

The federal probe agency had arrested Kejriwal on March 21 in connection with the case.

The next day, Special Judge Baweja remanded him in the custody of the ED till March 28.

Following this, the court allowed the ED's plea requesting extension of his custodial interrogation by four days till April 1.

In its remand application, the probe agency has accused the AAP leader of "being involved in the entire conspiracy of Delhi liquor scam, in drafting and implementation of the policy, for favouring and benefiting the quid pro receiving kickbacks and eventually using part of proceeds of crime generated out of the scheduled offence in the election campaign for Goa Assembly elections".

Also read | Arvind Kejriwal sent to judicial custody till April 15