Kejriwal likely to produce before PMLA court at 2.30 pm
THE NEWS FREEDOM
NEW DELHI, MARCH 22
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has withdrawn his plea against arrest by the Enforcement Directorate from the Supreme Court. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Kejriwal, informed the court of this decision, citing a clash with the ongoing remand proceedings. Kejriwal is expected to produce before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in New Delhi at 2:30 pm today. Security has been heightened outside both Kejriwal’s residence and the ED office.
Yesterday, he was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with alleged money laundering related to the Delhi excise policy. The Enforcement Directorate acted swiftly following the denial of protection from arrest by the Delhi High Court in the case.
In response to Kejriwal’s arrest, the Enforcement Directorate has filed a Caveat petition in the Supreme Court, urging that the probe agency be heard before any decision is made on Kejriwal’s petition seeking relief. The Chief Justice has assigned Kejriwal’s petition to a Special bench.
The case revolves around suspected instances of corruption and money laundering linked to the formulation and implementation of the Delhi government’s excise policy for the 2021-22 period, which was later revoked. AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh have already been arrested and are in custody in connection with the investigation.
According to the Enforcement Directorate, Kejriwal’s involvement has been repeatedly mentioned in the charge sheets filed. The agency alleges that the accused individuals communicated with Kejriwal to influence the excise policy, resulting in alleged undue benefits, with kickbacks purportedly funneled to the AAP.
Amidst these developments, workers of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have staged protests against Kejriwal’s arrest, alleging it to be politically motivated.
Jo Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akal
Inquilab Zindabaad #IStandWithKejriwal pic.twitter.com/GpS5cXtNY9
— Harjot Singh Bains (@harjotbains) March 22, 2024