Arvind Kejriwal to Be Re-Arrested in Liquor Policy Case by Enforcement Directorate
New Delhi: In a dramatic turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to be re-arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with the controversial liquor policy case. This development comes just days after Kejriwal was granted bail by the Supreme Court, following his earlier arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The ED’s move is being seen as part of a larger effort to keep the AAP leader in custody. According to sources, the agency is pressing for further investigations and allegations related to the liquor policy case, raising questions about the timing and motive behind this re-arrest.
Background of the Case
The liquor policy case, which has been a subject of intense political and legal scrutiny, revolves around allegations of corruption and irregularities in the formulation and execution of Delhi’s excise policy. Kejriwal was initially arrested by the CBI, but after being granted bail, his legal troubles seemed to ease. Now, the ED has stepped in to re-arrest him under its jurisdiction, specifically focusing on money laundering accusations tied to the same case.
Singhvi’s Statement on Re-Arrest
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who has been representing Kejriwal, criticized the decision as yet another attempt to keep the Delhi Chief Minister in legal trouble. He called this move an “insurance arrest,” indicating that the agencies are working together to ensure Kejriwal remains entangled in the case.
Singhvi had previously stated that no new conditions were imposed on Kejriwal’s role as chief minister after his bail. He reiterated that Kejriwal remains the Chief Minister of Delhi and that only an elected government or President’s rule under Article 356 can change that status.
Agencies Pressing Hard
The back-and-forth legal battle has seen both the CBI and ED playing significant roles in keeping the case alive. Many analysts believe that the latest arrest is part of a larger political strategy to weaken Kejriwal and his party, which has been gaining ground in national politics.
The ED, known for its high-profile arrests related to financial crimes and corruption, is determined to make headway in the case. Kejriwal’s previous bail came as a relief to his supporters, but his imminent re-arrest is bound to reignite political tensions.
Kejriwal’s Role as Chief Minister
Despite the ongoing legal issues, Kejriwal’s status as Chief Minister remains unchanged. Singhvi clarified that Kejriwal can still sign files and perform his duties as the head of Delhi’s government, except for matters directly related to the liquor policy case.
This development is likely to spark a fresh wave of political debates and protests, as many of Kejriwal’s supporters see this as an attempt to sideline the Delhi government. The upcoming days will determine how the situation unfolds as the legal battle continues.
Conclusion
Arvind Kejriwal’s re-arrest by the ED is bound to fuel further political controversy. As legal experts and political analysts keep a close eye on the case, it remains to be seen how the AAP leader will navigate these turbulent times. His supporters remain optimistic, while critics believe the law must take its course.