In a significant development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday arrested Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the controversial liquor policy case. The arrest marks a crucial point in the ongoing investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding Delhi’s now-scrapped 2021-22 excise policy.

The CBI, which has been probing the case following a recommendation by Delhi’s lieutenant governor in July 2022, brought Kejriwal before the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi. During the court proceedings, the probe agency highlighted that although they had the opportunity to arrest Kejriwal before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, they deliberately chose to defer the arrest.

Kejriwal’s legal team, led by senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, argued against the arrest, emphasizing the political motivations behind the timing. The court session saw intense exchanges between the prosecution and defense, with the CBI justifying their actions based on the evidence gathered during the investigation.

The arrest has sparked a wave of reactions across the political spectrum, with AAP leaders and supporters condemning the move as a political vendetta, while opposition parties have called for a thorough investigation into the alleged corruption. Kejriwal’s arrest comes at a critical time, with the general elections on the horizon, adding a layer of complexity to the political landscape.

This case centers around allegations that the Delhi government’s 2021-22 excise policy led to financial irregularities and favoritism in the awarding of liquor licenses, causing substantial revenue losses. The policy, which was later withdrawn, has been under scrutiny, with multiple agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate (ED), investigating the financial transactions and beneficiaries involved.

Kejriwal has maintained his innocence, asserting that the policy was implemented with the intent to increase government revenue and regulate the liquor trade more effectively. However, the allegations and subsequent arrest have cast a shadow over his administration’s integrity.

As the legal proceedings continue, the arrest of Delhi’s Chief Minister by a central investigative agency is expected to have far-reaching implications, not only on the ongoing investigation but also on the political dynamics in the capital and beyond.

CBI Questions AAP Supremo in Tihar Jail Over Excise Policy Case

New Delhi, June 25 – The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday interrogated the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor, Arvind Kejriwal, in Tihar Jail and recorded his statement concerning the Excise Policy case.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Arrested by CBI in Liquor Policy Case

New Delhi, June 26 – The CBI on Wednesday arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with the liquor policy case. The AAP leader was presented in Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, where the probe agency mentioned that they could have conducted this exercise before the Lok Sabha elections but chose not to.

Arvind Kejriwal Withdraws Supreme Court Plea Against Delhi HC Order

New Delhi, June 26 – Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal withdrew his plea from the Supreme Court, challenging the Delhi High Court’s interim stay on the trial court’s bail order. A vacation bench of Justices Manoj Misra and SVN Bhatti permitted the withdrawal after Kejriwal’s counsel, senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, expressed the intent to file a substantial appeal following the high court’s detailed order on June 25.

Delhi HC Stays Kejriwal’s Bail Order, Cites PMLA Section 45 Conditions

New Delhi, June 25 – The Delhi High Court stayed Arvind Kejriwal’s bail order, stating that the trial court should have recorded its satisfaction regarding the twin conditions of section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The court criticized the vacation judge for not adequately considering the evidence presented by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Kejriwal in Custody Amid Ongoing Investigation into Excise Policy Irregularities

New Delhi, June 26 – Arvind Kejriwal has been in custody since March 21, except for a brief period of interim bail granted by the Supreme Court for election campaigning. The case, involving alleged irregularities in Delhi’s 2021-22 excise policy, is being probed by the CBI following a recommendation from Delhi’s lieutenant governor in July 2022.