April 27th 2024.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has expressed his concerns to the Supreme Court regarding the actions of the Enforcement Directorate in a money-laundering case related to the alleged excise policy scam. In response to the ED's reply affidavit on his arrest, Kejriwal stated that he has always been cooperative with the investigation. He pointed out that the ED's reply affidavit stated that he was arrested because he failed to appear before the investigating officer after being summoned nine times. The ED had justified this arrest by stating that it would lead to more effective questioning of the accused.
Kejriwal strongly criticized the ED's actions, stating that they have acted in a highhanded manner and have disregarded the due process of law. He also claimed that a careful examination of the ED's reply would reveal the falsehood in their conduct. Kejriwal defended himself by stating that he had responded to all the summons and had provided all the required information, which was neither privileged nor confidential. He also pointed out that the ED had never clearly stated the reasons for his alleged non-cooperation.
Kejriwal further argued that there was no need for him to be physically present for questioning and that the ED could have called him through an authorized agent or sought information and documents through virtual means. He stated that his petition to be released should be granted as he has been in judicial custody since his arrest on March 21. The ED, on the other hand, has claimed that Kejriwal was the mastermind of the excise policy scam and that his arrest was necessary to ensure free and fair elections.
The ED also alleged that Kejriwal was involved in demanding kickbacks from liquor businessmen in exchange for favors related to the policy. However, Kejriwal's petition challenging his arrest was dismissed by the high court on April 9, stating that there was no illegality in his arrest and that the ED had no other option after he repeatedly failed to appear for questioning. The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government's excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the ED and sought their response to Kejriwal's plea.
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