Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Challenges Arrest in Money Laundering Case
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has challenged his arrest in a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. In a rejoinder to the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) reply affidavit filed on his petition, Kejriwal claims that the ED has acted in a "most highhanded manner" and that he has always cooperated with the investigation.
Kejriwal argues that the ED's claim that he did not remain present before the investigating officer despite being summoned nine times is false. He states that he responded to each summons and sought vital details and information, which cannot be claimed as privileged or confidential by the ED.
The AAP leader further claims that the ED has never spelt out the alleged non-cooperation by him and that there was no requirement for him to be physically present for questioning. He believes that his plea deserves to be allowed and that he should be released forthwith.
The ED, on the other hand, claims that Kejriwal is the "kingpin and key conspirator" of the excise policy scam and that his arrest is justified. The agency alleges that Kejriwal worked in collusion with his ministers and AAP leaders and was involved in demanding kickbacks from liquor businessmen in exchange for favors granted in the policy.
The ED also claims that the material that formed the basis for Kejriwal's arrest had been perused by different courts and that his petition challenging his arrest is "devoid of merit" and liable to be dismissed.
The Delhi High Court had earlier upheld Kejriwal's arrest, stating that there was no illegality about it and that the ED was left with "little option" after he skipped repeated summonses and refused to join the investigation.
The matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court, which has issued a notice to the ED and sought its response to Kejriwal's plea.