New Delhi: A tense situation unfolded today as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) team arrived at the residence of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in North Delhi’s Civil Lines. The development comes in the wake of the Delhi High Court’s denial of protection to CM Kejriwal from coercive action in an excise policy case earlier today.
Amid apprehensions within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), AAP Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj expressed concerns, stating, “There are clear signs that a raid is underway at the residence, and he (Kejriwal) might be arrested.”
Kejriwal, who has been summoned for the ninth time by the ED in connection to the excise policy case, has moved to the Supreme Court against the high court’s order. The refusal of interim protection by the high court has intensified the legal battle, with the matter slated for further consideration on April 22.
Reacting to the situation, AAP leader Raghav Chaddha alleged a larger conspiracy, stating, “Just before the Lok Sabha elections, a big conspiracy is going on to arrest Arvind Kejriwal ji.”
As ED officials descended on Kejriwal’s residence, security was beefed up with the deployment of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) units alongside Delhi Police personnel. Barricades were erected, and additional police forces were stationed in the vicinity.
The developments sparked outrage among AAP leaders, with Atishi accusing the ED of being politically motivated. “Without waiting for the decision of the court, ED has arrived to arrest Arvind Kejriwal. This is a conspiracy to arrest Arvind Kejriwal,” Atishi asserted.
Opposition leaders have voiced strong condemnation against the Enforcement Directorate’s actions targeting Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Terming it as political vendetta, several opposition parties have criticized the timing of the ED’s move, alleging it to be an attempt to destabilize the AAP government ahead of crucial elections.
Leaders from various political outfits have rallied behind Kejriwal, emphasizing the need for fair and unbiased investigations rather than politically motivated maneuvers. The developments have added fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding the autonomy of investigative agencies and their alleged misuse for partisan purposes.
As the controversy deepens, political tensions are on the rise, setting the stage for a broader confrontation between the ruling dispensation and the opposition. The matter is likely to resonate in the corridors of power and beyond in the coming days.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
