Arvind Kejriwal Presents Personal Argument in Delhi Court, Accuses ED of Running Extortion Scheme
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took the stand himself before Delhi’s Rouse Avenue court on Thursday regarding his arrest and subsequent remand to Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in the excise policy case.
Produced before the court by the ED, as his remand period was due to expire, Kejriwal addressed Special Judge Kaveri Baweja, asserting that the ED’s primary aim was to implicate him without any substantial evidence.
“ED’s sole mission was to implicate me,” Kejriwal stated.
Interestingly, Kejriwal did not contest the ED’s request for extended custody, stating, “I am not opposing the remand. ED can keep me in custody as long as they want.”
However, he alleged that the real issue lies with the ED, accusing them of running an extortion racket under the guise of investigation.
“ED has two aims: to finish off AAP and to run an extortion racket to collect money,” Kejriwal claimed.
He further elaborated on his allegations, citing instances of certain individuals allegedly donating large sums to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after their arrests, insinuating a connection to a larger scheme.
Moreover, Kejriwal challenged the credibility of the evidence against him, questioning the selective presentation of statements and witnesses.
The Additional Solicitor General (ASG) representing the ED countered Kejriwal’s arguments, emphasizing the relevance of the remand stage and dismissing Kejriwal’s accusations as an attempt to gain public sympathy.
The court, after hearing both sides, reserved its decision.
Kejriwal’s arrest and subsequent legal battle stem from a complaint filed in 2022, alleging irregularities in the framing of Delhi’s Excise Policy. The case has garnered significant attention, marking the first instance of a sitting Chief Minister being arrested in India.
Kejriwal maintains his innocence, attributing his arrest to political machinations by the Central government, which he accuses of misusing the legal system to influence the upcoming elections.
