Delhi liquorgate: Arvind Kejriwal sent to ED custody till March 28

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been sent to ED custody till March 28 in the excise policy scam case. The order was passed by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of Rouse Avenue Court.

The special judge was hearing the plea by the ED seeking Kejriwal's custody for ten days.

Briefing the reporters, Arvind Kejriwal's lawyer Madan Lal said, "The ED was asking for a 10-day remand. They said that to trace the money trail, a custodial investigation is necessary. Considering all aspects, the judge gave a 6-day custodial remand."

"He will be presented here again on March 28. ED argued that the money used for the Goa elections was ill-gotten. They said they have statements of some witnesses which prove this fact," he added.

The arrest came hours after the Delhi High Court refused to pass orders granting the Aam Aadmi Party supremo any protection from coercive action.

The case pertains to alleged corruption and money laundering in formulating and executing the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped.

Kejriwal's name has been mentioned multiple times in the charge sheets filed by the ED. The agency has alleged that the accused were in touch with Kejriwal for formulating the excise policy that resulted in undue benefits to them in return for which they paid kickbacks to the AAP.

Meanwhile, Delhi minister and AAP leader Gopal Rai on 22nd March said that the party, along with the INDIA bloc members, would protest against Arvind Kejriwal's arrest at 10 am on 23rd March at Delhi's Shaheedi Park.

In a press conference, Rai said that the effigies of Prime Minister Narendra will be burned across the city on 24th March.

On 25th March, the party leaders will not celebrate Holi and 'will go door to door and meet people and tell them about BJP action.

The AAP leader further said that on 26th March the AAP workers will gherao the PM's house.

"Workers and leaders were detained throughout the day. The whole country is sad and angered by Kejriwal's arrest. At 10 am on Saturday, all AAP MLAs, councillors, office-bearers, INDIA bloc representatives will take a pledge to save democracy. We will gather at the Shaheedi Park on Saturday, the martyrdrom day of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev," the Delhi minister said.

He added that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will also attend the programme.

Also read | Arvind Kejriwal 'kingpin' of Delhi liquor policy scam: ED in PMLA court