The Tihar Jail administration and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have become entangled in a contentious dispute over the health status of Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently jailed.
AAP leaders have raised alarms, asserting that Kejriwal’s health is rapidly declining and he has experienced significant weight loss while in prison. They allege a conspiracy within the jail to jeopardise Kejriwal’s well-being. In response, the Tihar Jail administration has released a comprehensive update on Kejriwal’s health, aiming to counter these claims.
According to the jail authorities, Kejriwal’s weight was recorded at 65 kg on April 1, the day he was admitted to Tihar’s Central Jail No. 2. After being granted bail on May 10 following a Supreme Court ruling, his weight was noted as 64 kg. Upon his surrender on June 2, his weight further decreased to 63.5 kg. Currently, Kejriwal’s weight stands at 61.5 kg.
Addressing allegations regarding fluctuations in Kejriwal’s blood sugar levels, the jail report clarified, “At present, the inmate’s blood sugar is being monitored as per medical board recommendations. He is receiving appropriate treatment and diet, and his vital signs are within normal limits.”
The jail administration has dismissed AAP’s claims as baseless and accused AAP ministers and lawmakers of making unfounded allegations. Earlier, AAP Member of Parliament Sanjay Singh had stated that Kejriwal’s weight had dropped from 70 kg at the time of his arrest to 61.5 kg.
Regarding the weight loss, jail authorities attributed it to “reduced food intake or low-calorie consumption.” BJP leader Virendra Sachdeva criticised AAP leaders, accusing them of orchestrating theatrics to influence court decisions and secure bail for Kejriwal.
Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, following the Delhi High Court’s denial of interim protection. He remained in custody until May 10, when the Supreme Court granted him interim release for campaigning during the Lok Sabha elections.
