Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday evening. This arrest was related to charges of corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22, which was later scrapped.
Evening Arrest Drama
ED officials, along with Delhi policemen, arrived at Mr. Kejriwal’s official residence in the evening. The news of the ED action quickly spread, prompting State Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj to rush to the spot. However, he was not permitted to enter. To ensure security, Rapid Action Force and Central Reserve Police Force units were stationed outside the premises. Drones were also used for surveillance in anticipation of protests. After a brief round of questioning, the agency proceeded to arrest Mr. Kejriwal. Subsequently, around 9:15 p.m., AAP supporters staged a protest, chanting slogans against the BJP-led Union government. Some of the protestors were detained by the Delhi police.
Court Proceedings and AAP’s Response
Mr. Kejriwal is set to appear before a special court on Friday. The AAP has taken action by moving the Supreme Court to quash the arrest, requesting an urgent hearing. However, earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court declined to provide immediate protection to Mr. Kejriwal from coercive action in the excise policy-linked money laundering case. The High Court postponed the AAP leader’s application seeking protection for further consideration on April 22, which aligns with Mr. Kejriwal’s main petition challenging the summons scheduled for hearing on the same day. “We have heard both sides and we are not inclined at this stage [to grant protection],” the court stated.
Kejriwal as an Idea
Senior AAP leadership expressed that the arrest of Delhi CM ahead of the election was an attempt to hinder his campaigning and stifle the Opposition’s voice. Atishi, a senior party leader, emphasized that arresting Mr. Kejriwal cannot silence him. “Arvind Kejriwal is not a person. Arvind Kejriwal is an idea. If you arrest one Arvind Kejriwal, thousands more will rise across the country to save democracy and the Constitution of India,” she asserted outside his residence.
Context and Previous Arrests
This is not an isolated incident. Mr. Kejriwal is the fourth Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader to be arrested in this case, following former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Rajya Sabha Member Sanjay Singh, and former party communications in-charge Vijay Nair. In addition, former Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Kumar Jain was arrested in a separate case. Earlier this week, the ED had alleged that Bharat Rashtra Samithi legislator K. Kavitha, along with others, conspired with top AAP leaders, including Mr. Kejriwal and Mr. Sisodia, to receive favors regarding the erstwhile Delhi excise policy.
Money Laundering Allegations
The ED arrested Ms. Kavitha in Hyderabad on March 15 in the same case. She was taken into custody for questioning under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Ms. Kavitha and others have been accused of being involved in transferring ₹100 crore to AAP leaders. So far, in the excise policy case, the agency has arrested 16 individuals and attached assets worth ₹128.79 crore.
