New Delhi, Mar 28 (UNI) A Delhi Court on Thursday extended the Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, an accused in the alleged liquor policy scam, for four days till April 1.
After the ED told the court they needed seven more days to remand Kejriwal to confront the other accused, Special Judge (PMLA) Kaweri Baweja at Rouse Avenue Court extended the CM's custody till Monday.
His wife and two children were also present in the court during the hearing.
Kejriwal was on ED remand for six days which was extended today.
Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 by ED on charges of taking bribes in connection with a now-scrapped liquor policy implemented by him in Delhi.
Following the expiration of the six-day remand, when Kejriwal was brought before the court, Assistant Solicitor General SV Raju, appearing by virtual mode for ED, argued that Kejriwal is giving evasive replies during the custodial interrogation.
"Details were sought regarding financial statements. However, Kejriwal has not furnished such details. So ED has asked concerned departments to provide the same," ASG said.
Appearing for Kejriwal, Senior lawyer Ramesh Gupta told the court that the Delhi CM wants to make some submissions.
Special Judge Kaveri Baweja allowed Kejriwal to speak but gave him only five minutes.
Kejriwal then argued in Hindi alleging that the real liquor policy scam began after his arrest by ED. He said that the ED’s intention was only to arrest him as a sitting Chief Minister. He further said that the case had been ongoing for two years where CBI filed a case in August 2022, followed by the ECIR.
" MSR/ Magunta Srinivasulu Reddy has not given any statements against me. This implies that ED intended to frame me," he submitted.
Raju alleged that Rs 100 crores have been percolated through Hawala for the Assembly elections in Goa in 2022 by the South Group and there is a complete money chain.
"Just because you make a statement saying you're innocent does not make a difference," Raju contended.
The ASG further alleged that In the liquor policy scam, the illicit funds generated through the manipulation of the policy were utilised to finance the Goa elections. Kejriwal acted as an intermediary between various parties, including former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and AAP officer Vijay Nair, facilitating alleged irregularities in the implementation of the liquor policy, the ASG argued. UNI SNG AKS SSP