Liquor Scam Case: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Remanded To 6-Day ED Custody

On Friday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was placed under a 6-day custody by the Enforcement Directorate ( ED ) regarding its ongoing investigation into the Delhi liquor scam case. The ED had initially requested a 10-day custody for Kejriwal for further questioning.

Kejriwal's arrest occurred on Thursday night amidst intense drama, following a two-hour interrogation by ED officials, marking him as the first sitting Chief Minister in India to face such circumstances.

During Kejriwal's court appearance on Friday, the ED outlined seven significant charges against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader in connection with the scam.

Representing the ED, Additional Solicitor General ASV Raju asserted that Arvind Kejriwal played a pivotal role as the main conspirator and linchpin in the Delhi liquor scam case.

The ED stated that the Delhi CM was directly involved in the formulation of the Delhi Excise Policy and handling of the proceeds of cirme. The ASG revealed that the proceeds of crime were over Rs 600 crore. "Proceeds of crime is not only the Rs 100 crore bribe received, but also the profits made by the bribe payers, amounting to Rs 600 crore," ASV Raju said.

The ED stated that the proceeds of the crime were used by the AAP to campaign in Goa before the state elections. "We have traced the proceeds of the crime and taken statements of many persons involved in the Goa election campaign," the ED said.

The investigative agency alleged that Kejriwal solicited kickbacks from the 'South Group' in return for favors.

Additionally, the ED claimed that Kejriwal's close associate Vijay Nair, former communication head of AAP, served as the intermediary between the South Group and the AAP, residing near Kejriwal's residence.

Another significant accusation made by the ED asserted that they possessed evidence indicating that the Delhi Chief Minister misused his power to surveil ED officials.