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DELHI Liquor Scam: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) apprehended Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal late Thursday night in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to the liquor policy case. This unprecedented move marks the first time a serving chief minister in India has been arrested in a criminal case. The ED’s action followed the Delhi High Court’s denial of protection from arrest to the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) national convenor earlier in the day.
#arvindKejriwal arrested by #ed for the #delhiliquorpolicyscam. #sanjaysingh #manishsisodia #DelhiLiquorScam #EDRaid #ArvindKejriwalarrested #OTTIndia@arvindkejriwal @AamAadmiParty @atishi pic.twitter.com/BwEBnowkkS
— OTT India (@OTTIndia1) March 21, 2024
Arrest and Search Operation
Arvind Kejriwal was transported to the Enforcement Directorate’s office in central Delhi around 11:25 pm after his arrest. Prior to his detention, a 10-member team led by a senior officer conducted searches at Kejriwal’s residence on Flagstaff Road in Delhi’s Civil Lines area. The arrest transpired two hours after the ED team commenced their investigation. Kejriwal underwent questioning before his arrest and is slated to appear in court today.
Legal Proceedings and Political Responses
Upon his court appearance, the Enforcement Directorate intends to request custody for further interrogation, making Kejriwal the 16th individual arrested in connection with the case. The BJP, in response, emphasized Kejriwal’s alleged evasion of legal scrutiny, asserting that his apprehension signifies the triumph of justice over corruption. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva urged Kejriwal’s immediate resignation, deeming it a violation of constitutional norms to govern from jail.
Reactions from AAP and Allies
Contrarily, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) vehemently opposed Kejriwal’s arrest, vowing to challenge it through legal avenues. Party members affirmed Kejriwal’s continuance as Delhi’s chief minister, even suggesting the possibility of governing from jail, given his absence of conviction. AAP leaders rallied supporters for nationwide protests outside BJP offices, denouncing the arrest as an affront to democracy.
Read also: ED reach Kejriwal Residence: will ED arrest Delhi CM in Excise policy?
Support from Allies and Opposition
AAP’s allies, including the Congress and NCP(SP), rallied behind Kejriwal, condemning his arrest as politically motivated. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is slated to express solidarity either by meeting Kejriwal or his family. NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar denounced the BJP’s actions, alleging it to be a manifestation of the party’s thirst for power.
