In a dramatic turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday in connection with the ongoing excise policy scam case. The arrest followed an order from Special Judge Amitabh Rawat at Rouse Avenue, authorizing the CBI to formalize its action in the alleged scam.
Kejriwal, who had been under scrutiny for his alleged involvement in the case, was interrogated by the probe agency inside Tihar Jail on Tuesday evening. The CBI’s application for arrest was made after Kejriwal was brought before the court from Tihar Central Jail on Wednesday.
During the court proceedings, Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh, representing the CBI, highlighted the evidence collected so far. “I got permission under the PC Act on April 23, 2024. Due to ongoing elections and his interim bail, we refrained from conducting further investigation,” Singh stated. He further elaborated on the financial trail, stating, “All the money is in cash, we could identify 44 odd crores of trail and how the money went to Goa and how it was used. Chanpreet is providing funds for the elections, as well as for the vendors in Goa and even for the Chief Minister’s accommodation there.”
Kejriwal has been lodged in Tihar since his initial arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21. He was briefly out on interim bail granted by the Supreme Court on May 10 to campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, his interim bail expired on June 1, after which he was required to return to Tihar on June 2.
