Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Arrested: Political Drama Unfolds In High-Stakes Money Laundering Case!
Congress leader Sachin Pilot criticized the timing and manner of Kejriwal's arrest, calling for intervention by the Election Commission.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, also the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21 in connection with a money laundering case linked to the excise policy. Kejriwal withdrew his plea challenging the ED's arrest in the Supreme Court. He was brought before a special PMLA court for custodial interrogation, becoming the first sitting chief minister to face such an arrest.
Earlier, the Delhi High Court had dismissed a plea seeking protection for Kejriwal from coercive action in the same case. The ED conducted searches at his residence in Civil Lines following his arrest. Kejriwal had previously ignored nine summons issued by the ED.
The Rouse Avenue Court, where Kejriwal's remand hearing took place, reserved its order on the ED's application seeking a 10-day custodial remand. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, affirmed the submission of evidence to the court.
Amidst the legal proceedings, AAP MLAs and Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi were permitted to enter Kejriwal's residence to meet his family. However, Oberoi alleged that the police hindered their attempt to meet Kejriwal's family.
Congress leader Sachin Pilot criticized the timing and manner of Kejriwal's arrest, calling for intervention by the Election Commission. Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel questioned the necessity of seeking remand if the ED already possessed evidence.
BJP MLA CN Ashwath Narayan stated that Kejriwal's arrest sent a message that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the law. He criticized AAP's rhetoric on corruption and emphasized accountability for leaders.
The legal and political saga surrounding Kejriwal's arrest highlights the intersection of governance, law enforcement, and electoral politics in India's capital city. The outcome of the court's decision regarding his custody remains awaited amidst a flurry of reactions from various political quarters.
