The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): In a significant development, a court in New Delhi has extended the Enforcement Directorate’s custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until April 1 in connection with the excise policy case. The decision was made after the ED sought a seven-day extension for further interrogation and investigation.
Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was produced before the Rouse Avenue court Special Judge Kaveri Baweja as his existing six-day custody was set to expire on Thursday. While the ED had requested a seven-day extension, the court directed Kejriwal to appear before it on April 1 at 11 am.
During Kejriwal’s current custodial interrogation, the ED recorded his statements over five days, noting that he provided “evasive replies.” Additionally, statements of three other relevant individuals were recorded during this period. The ED also revealed that data from the mobile phone of Kejriwal’s wife has been extracted and is under analysis.
Furthermore, the ED stated that appointments made with the Chief Minister’s office through the online portal are being investigated, along with summonses issued to senior excise officials in Punjab linked to liquor wholesalers in Delhi. The officials sought time to respond to the summonses, citing the hooch tragedy in Sangrur.
The ED’s plea for custody extension emphasized the necessity of further interrogation due to these ongoing investigations and findings. It highlighted that several aspects, including the extraction of data from digital devices seized during the search at Kejriwal’s premises and the provision of property and financial details, are pending.
In light of these reasons and findings, the ED deemed it imperative for Kejriwal’s custodial remand to be extended by seven days, emphasizing the importance of continuing the investigation. The court’s decision to extend Kejriwal’s custody reflects the gravity of the case and the ongoing probe by the enforcement agency.