New Delhi, The judicial custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been extended until April 23 by a Delhi Court in connection with a money laundering case linked to the scrapped liquor policy.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Kejriwal, who was initially arrested on March 21, appeared virtually before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Courts as his previous period of custody expired. The extension aligns with the custody end date of co-accused BRS leader K Kavitha, indicating a synchronized review of their cases.
Previously, Kejriwal had sought intervention from the Supreme Court following a Delhi High Court decision that upheld his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and his remand in the excise policy case. On April 9, the High Court dismissed his plea for release and rejected the argument that his arrest was politically motivated, particularly with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The High Court also noted Kejriwal’s failure to respond to nine ED summons over a six-month period, which weakened his claims for any special privileges as Chief Minister. This non-cooperation was cited as a significant factor leading to his arrest.
In his appeal against the High Court’s ruling, Kejriwal argued that the ED does not possess sufficient evidence for a conviction under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). He contended that his arrest was primarily based on inconsistent statements from co-accused who later became approvers.
Kejriwal’s arrest is part of the ED’s broader investigation into alleged irregularities in the now-defunct Delhi excise policy for 2021-22.