In a development on Thursday, a Delhi court decided to prolong the Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until April 1, citing compelling grounds. Despite the extension, the court permitted Kejriwal to have meetings with his family members and legal representatives.
Kejriwal, implicated in the excise policy investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, appeared before Special Judge Kaweri Baweja at the Rouse Avenue Court following the conclusion of his initial six-day ED custody on Thursday. Judge Baweja, presiding over the case, had initially remanded him to ED custody on March 22.
During Thursday's proceedings, the ED sought a further seven-day extension of the Chief Minister's custody. However, after deliberation, the court extended Kejriwal's ED remand by four days until April 1, noting that there were compelling reasons for continued custodial interrogation, particularly in light of the ED's arguments.
The investigative agency asserted the necessity to confront Kejriwal with the evidence gathered and statements recorded thus far in the probe. The court instructed the investigating officer to ensure prompt and thorough interrogation and confrontation of the accused.
Additionally, the court granted Kejriwal permission to meet his family members, including his wife, daughter, personal assistant, and legal counsel. It also mandated that the interrogation take place in a location under CCTV surveillance, with footage preservation. The ED was directed to provide necessary medical care to Kejriwal and conduct medical examinations as required by law during his custody.
The courtroom witnessed a significant presence of CM Kejriwal's supporters during the hearing. His wife, Sunita Kejriwal, along with AAP leaders Gopal Rai, Atishi, and Saurabh Bharadwaj, were among those present.
The Additional Solicitor General representing the ED argued that Kejriwal needed to be confronted with individuals associated with AAP, summoned from Goa. He accused Kejriwal of non-cooperation and evasion in the probe, citing the necessity to access digital data for which passwords were required.
Kejriwal, allowed to make personal submissions, questioned the basis of his arrest despite extensive documentation provided by the CBI and ED. He expressed willingness to cooperate with the ED but reiterated his stance that his involvement in the alleged scam was unfounded.
The ED arrested Kejriwal on March 21 following a two-hour interrogation at his official residence. The Delhi High Court, on Wednesday, declined interim relief to Kejriwal, stating that the probe agency must be given an opportunity to respond to his claims.
The ED has labeled Kejriwal as the "key conspirator" in the alleged excise scam, purportedly involving other Delhi government ministers, AAP leaders, and additional individuals.
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