The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court opposing the petition filed by Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) national convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal against his arrest and custody in a lower court. The affidavit states that Kejriwal is considered the mastermind and conspirator of the excise scam, and the High Court has thoroughly assessed all aspects before issuing a definitive ruling. The agency asserted that Kejriwal faces charges of money laundering as per the High Court’s ruling, which is based on available evidence.
The ED opposed Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging the High Court order, asserting that the Aam Aadmi Party, the main beneficiary of the scam’s proceeds, committed the crime through him. The agency highlighted the Delhi High Court’s comprehensive consideration of all facts, indicating no merit in Arvind Kejriwal’s petition opposing the order. The ED urged the Supreme Court to dismiss Arvind Kejriwal’s plea.
According to the affidavit, Delhi Government Ministers, AAP leaders, and others conspired with Arvind Kejriwal to devise and execute the Delhi Excise fraud. The ED emphasised that the High Court’s verdict accurately depicts Arvind Kejriwal’s direct involvement in formulating the Excise Policy 2021–2022, implicating figures like Manish Sisodia, Vijay Nair, and South Group representatives.
The investigative agency stated that Arvind Kejriwal and AAP are accountable for money laundering crimes under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. It pointed out Arvind Kejriwal’s control over AAP’s major activities as a founding member and participant in policy deliberations.
Moreover, the ED revealed that Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest stemmed from his involvement in large-scale evidence tampering, including the destruction of approximately 170 cell phones during the scam’s exposure. Despite repeated summons, Arvind Kejriwal refused to cooperate with the agency.
Responding to Kejriwal’s allegation of untimely arrest amidst the Lok Sabha elections, the ED argued that arresting politicians facing criminal charges is necessary to maintain the integrity of democracy. It underscored that three different judicial authorities reviewed the material supporting the arrest decision.
Arvind Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 from his official Delhi residence and is currently detained in Tihar jail. AAP has declared that Kejriwal will continue to lead the Government from prison without resigning from office.
