The Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, was arrested on Thursday by the Enforcement Directorate as part of a liquor probe. This makes him the second sitting chief minister to face arrest recently, following Jharkhand’s Hemant Soren.
Despite this, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership stated that Kejriwal would continue as chief minister, even from jail. Kejriwal’s arrest follows another significant arrest related to the liquor probe, where BRS leader K Kavitha was arrested in Hyderabad and brought to New Delhi.
Kavitha’s arrest suggested that Kejriwal might be the next target for the ED. A high court order on Thursday further facilitated this, as it denied Kejriwal protection from coercive action by the agency. Shortly after this verdict, ED officials arrived at Kejriwal’s Civil Lines residence with a search warrant and took him into custody after a few hours.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Arrested By ED
The Enforcement Directorate made an arrest on Thursday, taking Delhi’s Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, into custody. This happened after they questioned him and searched his home regarding a money-laundering case related to the former Delhi liquor policy.
It’s significant because it’s the first time a sitting Chief Minister has been arrested. In response, AAP Minister Atishi affirmed that despite the arrest, Kejriwal continues to hold the position of Chief Minister of Delhi.
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Why Arvind Kejriwal Arrested By ED?
Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, has been asked by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to participate in an investigation since last year. However, citing prior commitments, Kejriwal has not attended any of the summons so far.
He has taken the matter to court, arguing that the ED’s summons are against the constitution. Unfortunately for Kejriwal, the court announced on Thursday that it won’t intervene in the case at this point.
This case revolves around the cancellation of a liquor policy due to corruption allegations. Earlier, Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh were arrested in connection with the same case.
What After Arvind Kejriwal Arrest?
Atishi, a leader from the AAP and Delhi’s minister, mentioned that the party has taken steps to appeal to the Supreme Court to stop Kejriwal’s arrest. Atishi stated on X that they’ve requested an urgent hearing from the Supreme Court tonight.
On another note, the AAP leadership assured that Kejriwal will continue as the chief minister, following a survey conducted across 23.8 lakh households in Delhi, titled ‘Main Bhi Kejriwal’.
Arvind Kejriwal is set to appear in a special PMLA court this Friday, where the Enforcement Directorate aims to request his custody for questioning, according to officials.
This comes after the Delhi High Court declined to offer immediate protection from any forceful measures against him. Kejriwal had petitioned the court to contest the summonses issued to him by the Enforcement Directorate.
The High Court instructed the ED to gather all evidence related to Kejriwal’s involvement in the Delhi liquor policy case. The evidence was presented in court and reviewed by the judges.
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Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Arrested By ED FAQs
Q.1. Why was Arvind Kejriwal arrested by the ED?
Ans. Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi’s Chief Minister, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money-laundering case related to the cancellation of Delhi’s liquor policy.
Q.2. What is the Delhi liquor policy case?
Ans. The Delhi liquor policy case involves allegations of corruption surrounding the cancellation of a liquor policy in Delhi. Kejriwal’s arrest is linked to this case.
Q.3. Will Kejriwal remain as Chief Minister despite his arrest?
Ans. Yes, according to the AAP leadership, Kejriwal will continue to serve as Chief Minister even during his time in custody.
Q.4. What legal actions is Kejriwal taking against the ED?
Ans. Kejriwal had petitioned the court to contest the summonses issued by the ED, arguing that they were against the constitution. However, the court declined to intervene.
Q.5. What happens next after Kejriwal’s appearance in the special PMLA court?
Ans. Following Kejriwal’s appearance in the special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court, the ED aims to request his custody for further questioning, as instructed by the Delhi High Court.
