Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, who had been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the alleged excise policy scam was the central figure in the purported scam and directly participated in its implementation, particularly favoring the ‘South Group’, asserted the ED asserted before a court . This revelation was made during a court session where the ED sought custody of Kejriwal for interrogation.
Seeking a 10-day custody, Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the ED along with special counsel Zoheb Hossain, stated that Kejriwal had been uncooperative during the investigation and emphasized the necessity to gather information through interrogation. Raju alleged that Kejriwal demanded kickbacks from the ‘South Group’ in exchange for providing them with favors, thereby implicating him in the utilization of proceeds of crime.
The ‘South Group’, as mentioned by the ED, comprises individuals such as Sarath Reddy, Raghav Magunta, and Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy, from whom AAP leaders purportedly received kickbacks totaling Rs 100 crore. Additionally, it was alleged that proceeds of crime amounting to approximately Rs 45 crore from the ‘South Group’ were utilized by the Aam Aadmi Party during the Goa campaign in 2021-22.
Moreover, it was contended that the proceeds of crime encompass not only the bribes but also the profits acquired by the bribe payers. ASG Raju argued that since the Aam Aadmi Party operates as a company, every individual involved in its functioning is accountable and can be deemed guilty.
Kejriwal’s arrest followed an interrogation session at his official residence, lasting over two hours, before he was taken to the ED’s office late in the night. He spent the night in ED custody before being presented before the Rouse Avenue Court the following day, following a medical examination.
In response to the ED’s remand plea, Kejriwal’s legal team, comprising senior advocates Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Vikram Chaudhary, and Ramesh Gupta, filed an application for the rejection of the remand request. Notably, Kejriwal experienced a health scare during the court proceedings, prompting security personnel to rush him out amidst tight security.
Addressing the media present in court, Kejriwal affirmed his dedication to the nation, stating that his commitment remains unchanged whether he is outside or inside the jail. This statement marked his first public reaction following his arrest by the ED.
Additionally, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the High Court seeking Kejriwal’s removal from the post of Chief Minister of Delhi amidst the ongoing legal proceedings.
