Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody following allegations related to the Delhi liquor policy, which is under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Special judge Sunena Sharma reserved the order today after the culmination of Kejriwal’s three-day CBI custody.
The CBI, in its remand application, accused Kejriwal of non-cooperation and providing evasive responses during questioning.
According to the agency, Kejriwal failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the significant increase in wholesalers’ profit margins under the 2021-22 excise policy, enacted without adequate study or justification.
The CBI also questioned the hurried cabinet approval of the policy during the peak of the Covid 19 second wave and alleged meetings between Kejriwal’s associates and stakeholders in the liquor business.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had previously arrested Kejriwal on March 21 on money laundering charges related to the same liquor policy, which was subsequently revoked following objections from the Lieutenant Governor.
The ED claimed that funds from liquor sellers were used to finance the Aam Aadmi Party’s campaign in Goa, where Kejriwal serves as the convenor.
