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Synopsis

Delhi Chief Minister and accused in liquor policy scam Arvind Kejriwal was today produced before the Rouse Avenue Court on the expiry of his six days of Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody.

ED arrested Kejriwal on the night of March 21. On March 22, the court had approved a remand period of only 6 days for the AAP Party supremo, despite the ED's request for a 10-day custody.

Special CBI judge Kaveri Baweja is presiding over the matter. Today, ASG SV Raju for ED argued that in custodial interrogation, Kejriwal was giving evasive replies.

"Details were sought regarding financial statements however, Kejriwal has not furnished such details. So ED has asked concerned departments to provide the same," he submitted. 

He alleged that Kejriwal is deliberately not cooperating.

To this, court sought the statements that were recorded in the last seven days to be produced before it. 

During the proceedings, Kejriwal addressed the court himself, which was objected to by the ASG. He said, "He wants to play to the gallery by making submissions himself...If you don't trust your lawyers, discharge them. There is a procedure in court sir, which has to be followed. There cannot be a separate procedure just because he is a CM. Why this special treatment?"

ASG continued that Rs 100 crores have been percolated through Hawala for Goa elections by South Group and there is a complete money chain. "Just because you make a statement saying you're innocent does not make a difference," he asserted. 

Senior Advocate Ramesh Gupta had prayed to allow Arvind Kejriwal to address the court. 

Kejriwal then stated, "This case has been ongoing for two years. The CBI filed a case in August 2022, followed by the ECIR. I have been arrested. No court has pronounced me guilty nor have any charges been framed against me. ED has filed nearly 25,000 pages of documents and brought in numerous witnesses".

Kejriwal referenced to statements by C Arvind, Manish Sisodia's secretary, in which Arvind stated that he went to Kejriwal's house with Sisodia where Sisodia handed Kejriwal papers related to liquor policy. Kejriwal further stated, "Many ministers come to my house, they have friendly conversations and provide documents. Is this statement enough to justify the arrest of a sitting CM?"

He further contended that "statements were being made until they (MSR/Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy) were not giving statements against me. This implies that ED's intention was to frame me".

Kejriwal further stated that the real liquor policy scam began after his arrest by ED, stating "Sarath Reddy donated 55 crores to the BJP. I have evidence that this racket is ongoing. Money trail is established. He donated 50 crores to BJP after being arrested". 

After hearing the arguments, the court reserved the order which is likely to be out later in the day. 

In the liquor policy scam, according to the ED, the illicit funds generated through the manipulation of the policy were utilized to finance the Goa Elections. The ED contended that Kejriwal acted as an intermediary between various parties, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP officer Vijay Nair, facilitating alleged irregularities in the implementation of the liquor policy. 

Case Title: Enforcement Directorate vs Arvind Kejriwal