On Monday, Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, was sent to Tihar jail, specifically to Prison Number 2. This decision came after a court ordered a 14-day judicial custody for him in relation to a case involving money laundering connected to the liquor policy.
Kejriwal, who is also the head of AAP, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21. During his stay in jail, he will be housed alone in a cell, monitored round the clock by CCTV cameras. Tight security measures were implemented within the premises of Tihar jail.
Arvind Kejriwal Sent To Jail
Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, was recently sent to Tihar Jail, marking the fourth member of the AAP and fifth opposition leader overall to face incarceration in the capital. This comes amidst rising political tensions between the ruling BJP and its rival INDIA bloc, just before the 2024 Lok Sabha election.
Kejriwal’s jail term is scheduled until April 15. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), which took him into custody since his arrest on March 21 over an alleged scam, stated the possibility of needing his custody again for further investigation.
He’s housed in Jail No 2 of Tihar, along with his former deputy Manish Sisodia, while former Health Minister Satyendar Jain occupies Jail No 7 and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh is in Jail No 5.
Meanwhile, Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, is situated in Jail No 6 of the women’s section. Kavitha is alleged to be involved in the ‘south group’ accused of offering bribes to the AAP for liquor licenses in Delhi.
Also Read: Arvind Kejriwal’s Custody With Enforcement Directorate Extended By 4 Days
Arvind Kejriwal Prison Routine
Mr. Kejriwal and other inmates wake up around 6:30 am. They start their day with a simple breakfast of tea and bread.
After freshening up, Mr. Kejriwal either heads to court for hearings or meets with his legal team.
Lunch is served between 10:30 and 11 am, comprising dal, sabzi, and either five rotis or rice.
From noon to 3 pm, prisoners stay in their cells.
At 3:30 pm, they receive tea and biscuits and can consult with their lawyers at 4 pm.
Dinner, similar to lunch, is served at 5:30 pm, followed by lockdown at 7 pm.
Arvind Kejriwal Prison Facilities
During his time in prison, Mr. Kejriwal is allowed to watch television, except during scheduled activities like meals and lock-up time. He can choose from around 18 to 20 channels covering news, entertainment, and sports. Medical assistance is available 24/7 for emergencies, especially since Mr. Kejriwal is diabetic and requires regular check-ups. His lawyer has requested a special diet considering his health condition.
Despite being in custody, the Chief Minister, who has been managing Delhi’s affairs from the ED lock-up, can meet his family twice a week. However, the visitors’ names need approval from prison security.
Additionally, a request has been made for Mr. Kejriwal to have access to religious texts such as the Ramayan and Shrimad Bhagvad Gita, along with the book “How Prime Ministers Decide” by journalist Neerja Chowdhury.
Why Was Arvind Kejriwal Arrested?
Mr Kejriwal, considered a key figure in the case by the ED, has been taken into custody due to corruption allegations. According to the ED, the previous liquor policy allowed an extremely high profit margin, benefiting both retailers and wholesalers significantly. However, a portion of the profits, amounting to over ₹600 crore, was allegedly taken as bribes by Mr Kejriwal, purportedly to fund election campaigns.
Despite these accusations, Mr Kejriwal and his AAP colleagues assert their innocence, pointing out a two-year investigation that has not yielded any evidence of cash transactions. They claim the timing of Mr Kejriwal’s arrest is suspicious and suggest it’s an attempt to sabotage his election campaign.
Critics argue that investigative agencies like the ED and CBI, which report to the central government, are being exploited by the ruling BJP to target opposition leaders before elections. However, the BJP has denied these allegations outright.
Meanwhile, Mr Kejriwal has challenged his arrest in the Delhi High Court, alleging a violation of his fundamental rights. The court has summoned the ED for a hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
Also Read: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Arrested By ED in Liquor Policy Case
Arvind Kejriwal Sent To Jail FAQs
Q.1. Why was Arvind Kejriwal sent to Tihar Jail?
Ans. He faces alleged corruption charges linked to the liquor policy.
Q.2. What is Arvind Kejriwal’s routine in prison?
Ans. His day includes meals, legal consultations, and limited TV access.
Q.3. What facilities does Arvind Kejriwal have in prison?
Ans. He has medical assistance, family visits, and limited TV channels.
Q.4. How often can Arvind Kejriwal meet his family?
Ans. Twice a week, with visitor names requiring approval.
Q.5. Why did Arvind Kejriwal challenge his arrest?
Ans. He alleges a violation of fundamental rights, with the case scheduled for a hearing.
