New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party leader and Delhi Chief Minister currently imprisoned for alleged corruption in a liquor policy scandal, will remain in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody for an additional four days until April 1, as reported by media sources.
Today, as Kejriwal’s ED custody was set to expire, the judge overseeing the case extended his remand by three days, according to NDTV. Kejriwal was taken into custody last month following the Delhi High Court’s refusal to intervene in the matter. Subsequently, ED officials conducted a search at his residence and arrested him.
Although Kejriwal had sought relief from the Supreme Court, his lawyers withdrew the plea citing unfavorable legal precedent. He spent a week in ED custody before it ended.
Kejriwal has filed a petition with the Delhi High Court challenging his arrest, alleging that the investigative agency violated his rights. The court has not taken immediate action on his plea and has instead issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate to respond by April 2. It is reported that the Delhi High Court hearing will resume on April 3.
Additionally, the court dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking Kejriwal’s removal as Chief Minister due to his arrest. Acting Chief Justice Manmohan, who presided over the bench, stated that the matter was beyond his jurisdiction.
During today’s court session, Kejriwal was allowed to speak and accused the investigative agency of attempting to “crush” his party. He reiterated AAP’s position on his arrest, stating that no evidence of Rs 100 crore in bribery had been found, and no court had declared him guilty.