A Day After Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest, His Wife’s Message
The day following Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate on charges of corruption related to issuing liquor licenses, his wife Sunita Kejriwal condemned the action as a betrayal of the people of Delhi. She expressed solidarity with her husband, emphasizing his dedication to the country and his constant support for the public.
Kejriwal, known for founding the Aam Aadmi Party on an anti-corruption platform, spent the night in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate. His party denounced the arrest as an attempt to tarnish his image.
The Enforcement Directorate’s action came after the Delhi High Court declined to grant Kejriwal protection from coercive measures in the money laundering case linked to excise policies.
Kejriwal, while being escorted into court, reiterated his commitment to serving the country regardless of his circumstances. The court is yet to decide on his release.
Ignoring nine summonses from the central agency prior to his arrest, Kejriwal faces charges alongside three senior party members already in jail awaiting trial.
The arrest prompted protests from hundreds of AAP supporters. Despite this, the party asserts that Kejriwal will not step down as Chief Minister and will continue to govern from jail if necessary, although prison authorities will follow standard procedures.
The Enforcement Directorate labeled Kejriwal as the “kingpin” of the alleged liquor policy scam and requested a ten-day custody.
Kejriwal’s lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, criticized the arrest, highlighting it as unprecedented for a sitting chief minister. He argued that there was no necessity for the arrest.
The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of Delhi’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped. Kejriwal’s name appears multiple times in charge sheets filed by the ED.
Kejriwal’s arrest coincides with the arrest of BRS leader K Kavitha by the ED, who allegedly conspired with AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, in exchange for favors in the excise policy.
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