Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal faced a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday as he was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the Delhi Excise Policy case. The arrest unfolded within the courtroom, just after the CBI formally took him into custody.
The CBI had brought Kejriwal to the Rouse Avenue Court in connection with the Excise Policy case, presenting him before the vacation judge Amitabh Rawat. This move followed a production warrant issued by the court on Tuesday. Prior to the arrest, the CBI was granted permission to examine Kejriwal within the courtroom, paving the way for his formal arrest. The court also mandated the CBI to formally document the evidence supporting the arrest.
The CBI’s action stemmed from the Delhi High Court’s decision to stay Kejriwal’s bail order in the money laundering case linked to the Excise Policy. The trial court had initially granted bail to Kejriwal on June 20th, but the Enforcement Directorate (ED) challenged this order before the High Court. The High Court, after hearing arguments from both sides, reserved its decision on the ED’s application to stay the bail order and halted Kejriwal’s release pending the verdict. The court expressed concern that the trial court should have verified the fulfillment of certain conditions outlined in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) before granting bail.
Following his arrest, Kejriwal’s sugar levels dropped significantly, leading to a temporary halt in proceedings. He was escorted out of the courtroom and taken to the Ahlmad room, where he received tea and biscuits to stabilize his blood sugar. His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, accompanied him during this time.
Kejriwal’s arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the alleged irregularities in the Delhi Excise Policy. The case has been the subject of intense scrutiny, with allegations of corruption and money laundering.
The arrest has triggered widespread reactions and political discourse, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the central government.
