The Central Bureau of Investigation or CBI formally arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with a money laundering case related to the excise policy on Wednesday.
The arrest order was issued by Special Judge Amitabh Rawat after the CBI moved an application following Kejriwal’s appearance in court from Tihar Central Jail.
Kejriwal, accompanied by his wife Sunita Kejriwal, was brought to the Rouse Avenue Court for the hearing on Wednesday. The CBI had questioned Kejriwal in Tihar Jail and recorded his statement regarding the excise policy case on Tuesday.
An AAP lawyer criticised the arrest, alleging political motives, and stated, “The Modi Government’s fear of Arvind Kejriwal’s potential release prompted the CBI to arrest him almost a year after he began cooperating with the investigation.”
The Delhi High Court recently stayed a bail order granted to Kejriwal by a trial court in the money laundering case, citing procedural concerns under section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the trial court’s assessment of the case documents and arguments.
Kejriwal remains in custody in connection with the excise scam money laundering case, which is being investigated by the Enforcement Directorate.
