The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with an alleged excise policy scam and is now seeking a five-day custody of him. The arrest was made following an order from Special Judge Amitabh Rawat at Rouse Avenue, formalizing the CBI’s action in the Excise Policy Case.
The probe agency interrogated Kejriwal on Tuesday evening at Tihar Jail. During the court proceedings, Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh, representing the CBI, emphasized that conducting the investigation was the agency’s prerogative, and the law did not mandate informing the accused. Singh sought formal custody of Arvind Kejriwal for interrogation and a formal arrest. The CBI accused the Delhi CM of making “unnecessary allegations of malice” and clarified that these proceedings could have occurred before the elections.
Kejriwal withdraws his plea in Excise Policy Case
Kejriwal subsequently withdrew his plea challenging the Delhi High Court’s order granting an interim stay on the trial court’s bail order in the alleged excise scam. The AAP leader’s counsel, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, informed the Supreme Court that new developments, including Kejriwal’s arrest by the CBI, warranted filing a substantial appeal to challenge the June 25 order of the high court.
Kejriwal has been in judicial custody since his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21. His brief interim bail, granted by the Supreme Court on May 10 for campaigning in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, expired on June 1, compelling his return to Tihar Jail on June 2.
The excise policy, which faced allegations of irregularities and corruption, was scrapped in 2022 after the Delhi Lieutenant Governor ordered a CBI probe into its formulation and execution. Both the ED and the CBI contend that undue favors were granted to license holders during the policy modification.
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