देश

Arvind Kejriwal Arrest LIVE Updates: Court Reserves Order On Delhi CM’s ED Remand

The Supreme Court, with a panel of three judges, is set to consider Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s appeal against his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate over a money laundering case tied to the Delhi excise policy. The CJI directed Singhvi to present his plea to a bench presided over by Justice Sanjiv Khanna. Singhvi promptly approached Justice Khanna’s court and presented the case. Justice Khanna announced that a three-judge bench would soon convene to hear Kejriwal’s plea. Following his arrest by the ED, Kejriwal appealed to the Supreme Court late on Thursday which has been withdrawn today. His attorney informed the Supreme Court that they will challenge the remand proceedings in the trial court before presenting another plea to the apex court.

Following the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the alleged liquor policy scandal, tensions have escalated, with his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) announcing nationwide protests outside BJP offices on Friday. The Delhi CM will be produced before the PMLA court today around 2.30 pm. As part of security arrangements, the police have closed all roads leading to the AAP headquarters, currently allowing no cars and only pedestrians on the road. The AAP has summoned all its office-bearers, ministers and councillors to the office headquarters.

Follow Live Updates On Delhi Chief Minister’s Arrest:

03:10 pm: The ED accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of being a central figure in the liquor scam case. The ED is seeking a 10-day custody of Kejriwal from a local court, alleging his involvement along with other ministers and AAP leaders.

The ED informed Special Judge Kaveri Baweja at the Rouse Avenue court that Kejriwal had received substantial sums as kickbacks from the ‘South group’. These funds were allegedly for the creation and execution of the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, representing the agency, told the court that Kejriwal had demanded Rs 100 crore from some individuals from the ‘South group’ to fund the Punjab elections.

The ASG further stated that the money trail revealed that Rs 45 crore, termed as a “kickback” and used in the Goa elections, originated from four hawala routes.

He added that the testimonies of the accused and witnesses have been validated by Call Detail Records (CDR).

3:05 pm: AAP not an individual but a company, so every person responsible for conduct of company will be held responsible: ED tells court

3:00 pm: Arvind Kejriwal demanded Rs 100 crore from some accused from ‘South group’ for Punjab elections, ED tells court while seeking his custody.

2:50 pm: ASG S V Raju, while representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s remand hearing made these arguments. “The predicate offence in this matter is already being proven. The court has taken cognizance of the charge sheet. Kejriwal is the mastermind and leader of this entire excise scam. The Delhi CM was involved in taking bribes in lieu of the alcohol policy. He was directly involved in the creation of the excise policy. Vijay Nair was working for him. Vijay Nair’s role was that of a mediator. He was playing the role of a mediator between AAP and the South lobby. Vijay Nair was living in a house near Kejriwal’s house. That house was allotted to Kailash Gahlot. Nair has been the media in-charge of AAP. ASG referred to the meeting between Manguta Reddy and Kejriwal.”

2:40 pm: Delhi CM is the ‘kignpin’ of alleged Delhi liquor policy case scam, ED claims in Rouse Avenue Court.

2:35 pm: ED requested his detention for 10 days in connection with a money laundering case linked to the excise policy. The ED informed the court that they have submitted an application for a 10-day remand after Kejriwal was brought before Special Judge Kaveri Baweja around 2 pm. The court premises were heavily guarded during this time.

ASG S V Raju is representing the agency, while Kejriwal is being represented by Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

Kejriwal was brought to the trial court shortly after he withdrew his plea against his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in the Supreme Court in relation to the money laundering case tied to the excise policy.

Kejriwal’s lawyer stated that he would challenge the remand proceedings in the trial court and then return to the Supreme Court with a new petition.

02:20 pm: Hearing begins in Kejriwal’s case, ED asks for 10 days remand

01.53 pm: A group from ED has escorted Arvind Kejriwal to commence court proceedings. He has been presented before the Rouse Avenue Court.

VIDEO | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal being taken from ED office to Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, where he will be produced in connection with the excise policy-linked money laundering case.

01.44 pm: “The party (AAP) whose origins can be traced back to the ‘India Against Corruption’ movement, and the one who propagated an image of standing against corruption (Arvind Kejriwal), has now been detained on corruption charges,” states Daljit Singh Cheema, a leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal to PTI. “With this detention, the true nature of the Aam Aadmi Party has been revealed,” he added.

01.37 pm: Punjab’s Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reached Arvind Kejriwal’s residence in Delhi to meet AAP leader’s family. He is set to conduct a press conference later today.