NEW DELHI: Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court on Thursday sent Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to four days’ further custodial remand by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi’s Excise Policy scam.
During the court hearing, Kejriwal stated: “There has been no corruption in making policies or implementing policies. The corruption occurred in the investigation by the ED.” The Rouse Avenue Court, in its written order, acknowledged Arvind Kejriwal’s oral submissions in court, expressing his willingness to cooperate with the investigation agency and not opposing the ED’s request to extend remand. The court also noted Kejriwal’s statement alleging that a witness had donated a large sum to the BJP.
The court recorded Kejriwal’s oral submission that statements recorded by the investigating agency do not implicate him in any alleged crimes, raising questions about his arrest. Additionally, Kejriwal stated that the ED did not present all documents before the court, especially those favouring him. The court also noted Kejriwal’s oral submission accusing the ED of being unable to trace the alleged amount of ₹100 crore. The ED expressed interest in confronting visitors’ details to the Chief Minister’s office during the investigation.
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The court considered ASG S.V. Raju’s argument that during interrogation, Kejriwal’s statement was recorded for five days, covering various aspects, though Kejriwal responded evasively. Furthermore, the court mentioned the ED’s need to confront the accused with information obtained from relevant banks and tax authorities.
During the investigation, the agency requested documents related to immovable/movable assets, IT, and other financial details, which Kejriwal has yet to provide. The court highlighted that during the search conducted on March 21, 2024, in Kejriwal’s premises, he did not provide passwords/login credentials for the seized digital devices.
During the hearing, Kejriwal took court permission to make his submission. He alleged that the ED’s probe had only one intention: to defame him and AAP. “I have been arrested, no case has been filed against me, nor have any allegations been made. The two main purposes of this entire investigation are: One, to dismantle the Aam Aadmi Party. Second, to raise funds for the BJP,” Kejriwal alleged.
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Kejriwal also thanked the officials and employees of the ED who have cooperated in the investigation so far. “On August 22, 2022, the ED registered an ECIR, I was arrested, but I have not been declared guilty in any court. ED has submitted 31,000 documents so far, while my statement is only mentioned in 4 statements. It is Arvind’s statement that some documents were given in Sisodia’s presence. Many people, including MLAs, come to my house, how would I know what they do,” Kejriwal said.
He further questioned whether this statement was enough to warrant his arrest. “There has been no corruption in making policies or implementing policies. The corruption occurred in the investigation by the ED,” Kejriwal said.