New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) after an extensive interrogation regarding his involvement in the money laundering case linked to the Delhi liquor scam. The investigating agency took Kejriwal into custody from the CM House following his alleged non-cooperation during the investigation. Before his arrest, the ED had seized Kejriwal’s mobile phone as part of their probe.
Sources within the ED revealed that Kejriwal’s lack of cooperation significantly hampered the progress of the investigation, prompting his arrest. The development sparked widespread protests outside Kejriwal’s residence, with a large gathering of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers expressing their dissent. Notably, ministers Atishi and Saurabh were among those present during the protest. To maintain law and order, a substantial contingent of police, including the Rapid Action Force, was deployed, and Section 144 was imposed in the vicinity.
Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court rejected Kejriwal’s plea to halt his potential arrest in the money laundering case related to the liquor scam. Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain of the High Court declined interim protection for Kejriwal, scheduling further consideration of his application for April 22. The bench’s decision was preceded by a hearing where both sides presented their arguments, leading to the denial of immediate relief to the AAP leader.
Kejriwal’s plea to the court stemmed from his challenge against the ED summons issued for his interrogation. The Chief Minister had approached the court after receiving his ninth summons from the ED, which required his appearance on the day of his arrest. Despite his legal maneuvers, Kejriwal found himself in custody, facing the gravity of the charges brought against him in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Delhi liquor scam.
