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‘His arrest is rare but it means the gravity of offence is such and we have sufficient reasons. If not for his arrest, the investigation could not have been completed’, SPP Singh argued.
On Monday, Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh, representing CBI, in Chief Minister Arvind Kerjiwal’s bail application, claimed, ‘Kejriwal Is the Sutradhar (Mastermind) Of Excise Policy Scam’.
The bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, recording the submissions of Kejriwal as well as CBI, reserved the order.
SPP Singh revealed that post Kejriwal’s arrest more and more evidence began to surface. He recounted how the flow of incriminating material became overwhelming, indicating a deeper involvement. SPP Singh underscored the strategic delay in presenting all the evidence initially, fearing that it might influence witnesses or lead to the disappearance of crucial evidence.
SPP Singh notified the court that a chargesheet had been filed against six individuals, with only one, Kejriwal, being arrested. ‘This is a rare arrest’, SPP Singh argued, highlighting the gravity of the allegations and the sufficiency of the reasons for his detention. He asserted that the investigation could not have been completed without Kejriwal’s arrest.
SPP Singh argued that in the span of a month, the investigation team had gathered substantial evidence, culminating in the filing of the chargesheet. SPP Singh boldly labeled Kejriwal as the ‘Sutradhar’ or mastermind of the excise policy scam. He detailed how Kejriwal, in his capacity as head of the Cabinet, signed and circulated the controversial policy among his colleagues, securing unanimous approval within a day during the chaotic days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
SPP Singh painted a picture of a well-orchestrated operation, with Kejriwal at the helm. He described how ₹44 crores were funneled to Goa, allegedly at Kejriwal’s behest, to fund election campaigns. Kejriwal had reportedly assured his candidates not to worry about finances, encouraging them to contest the elections confidently.
SPP Singh elucidated how Kerjiwal’s arrest led to statements from officers involved in the Punjab scam. ‘We sought sanction against two Punjab government officials but the State government refused the permission. I am saying this is one more influence exerted by Arvind Kejriwal’, SPP Singh contended. He pointed out that these officials only came forward after Kejriwal’s arrest, providing direct evidence of the accused’s sway.
SPP Singh further asserted that the media played a pivotal role in this saga. He asserted ‘When the entire thing blew up in the media, the CM took ex post facto approval from the council of ministers’.
Addressing the court on procedural matters, Singh clarified that certain circumstances allowed bail to be heard directly by the High Court. However, he argued that the High Court should not be the first instance for such hearings. With the final chargesheet now filed, SPP Singh declared the investigation complete and the prosecution ready for trial.
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