Arvind Kejriwal Arrest Updates: ED Takes Kejriwal to Agency’s Office in Central Delhi
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal found himself in the clutches of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on the night of March 21 in connection with an Excise policy-linked money laundering case. The unprecedented arrest, marking the first instance of a sitting Chief Minister being apprehended, unfolded shortly after the Delhi High Court’s refusal to extend protection to Mr. Kejriwal from any coercive actions by the agency.
The 55-year-old leader’s detention, amidst the fervor of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, triggered sharp reactions from his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The party staunchly affirmed Mr. Kejriwal’s continuation as Delhi’s chief minister, asserting his ability to govern even from behind bars if necessary. However, the BJP wasted no time in calling for Mr. Kejriwal’s resignation on moral grounds.
In a scathing critique, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav, lambasted the NDA government, alleging an undeclared emergency in the country. He accused the BJP of leveraging investigative agencies and constitutional institutions to suppress opposition voices, thereby undermining democratic principles.
Expressing solidarity with Kejriwal’s government, Yadav reiterated his commitment to standing firm against authoritarian tactics, declaring, “We are not the ones who are afraid but are the ones who fight and win,” echoing sentiments voiced openly in Patna and Mumbai.
Additionally, senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal took to Twitter to mock the situation, stating, “The Mother of Democracy has demonstrated that ED is its most obedient ‘son’!” Meanwhile, Congress leader Surendra Rajput (@ssrajputINC) condemned Kejriwal’s arrest, questioning the BJP’s use of investigative agencies like the ED and CBI for electoral gains.
As the political storm intensifies, Kejriwal’s arrest underscores the deepening divide between the ruling party and the opposition, raising concerns about the sanctity of democratic processes in the country. Stay tuned for further developments on this unfolding saga.
New Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with its probe into a money laundering case. The arrest follows the Delhi High Court’s refusal to entertain Kejriwal’s application for interim relief, seeking protection from coercive action by the ED in the excise policy case.
Kejriwal was apprehended from his official residence shortly after the high court declined to pass any orders on his plea for “no coercive action” by the ED. The court’s decision came as a blow to Kejriwal’s legal team, who had sought relief in the face of ED summons and challenged certain provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
“At this stage, we are not inclined to pass such an order,” remarked the court, paving the way for Kejriwal’s arrest. The AAP leaders have decried the move, alleging it was orchestrated to prevent the chief minister from seeking recourse in the Supreme Court following the high court’s decision.
The arrest of Kejriwal, a prominent figure in Indian politics, is expected to escalate tensions between the ruling AAP and the central investigative agency. The unfolding developments are likely to spark debates surrounding the autonomy of law enforcement agencies and the broader political implications of Kejriwal’s case.
Statement from Delhi Minister Atishi on ED’s Arrival at CM Arvind Kejriwal’s Residence:
Delhi Minister Atishi (@AtishiAAP) criticized the timing of the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) arrival at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence, stating, “Within an hour of the court issuing notice, they (ED) arrived at the residence of Arvind Kejriwal. This shows that today, the ED is not an independent investigative agency. It is a political weapon of the BJP.”
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
