The Enforcement Directorate (ED) defended its actions in a Supreme Court affidavit filed on Wednesday, asserting that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s conduct led the investigating officer to believe he was involved in money laundering.
Kejriwal’s petition challenging his arrest prompted the ED to respond, highlighting that the AAP leader had avoided nine summonses, indicating evasion of interrogation. The affidavit emphasized that Kejriwal’s conduct, coupled with evidence in possession of the investigating officer, justified his arrest.
In response, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized the ED, accusing it of spreading falsehoods. The ED, however, maintained the legality of Kejriwal’s arrest, stating it was based on valid grounds and not influenced by extraneous factors.
The affidavit clarified that Kejriwal’s petition did not seek bail but contested the rejection of his writ petition challenging the arrest during the ongoing investigation. The agency reiterated the necessity of arrest in investigative procedures and dismissed allegations of malice, emphasizing the lawful nature of the arrest.
Kejriwal’s arrest on March 21 followed the Delhi High Court’s refusal to grant him protection from coercive action by the ED. Currently held in Tihar jail, Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest in connection with a money laundering case stemming from an alleged excise policy scam prompted the Supreme Court to seek the ED’s response by April 24.
The ED further highlighted Kejriwal’s behavior during interrogation, describing it as evasive and non-cooperative, which contributed to the decision to arrest him. The affidavit emphasized the need for custodial interrogation due to Kejriwal’s disregard for the law and non-cooperation during questioning.
The agency underscored that sufficient material existed to justify the arrest, not only based on Kejriwal’s conduct but also on the evidence gathered during the investigation. Despite accusations, the ED affirmed its transparency in disclosing the basis for Kejriwal’s arrest.
Responding to the ED’s claims, AAP criticized the agency’s alleged fabrication of lies to serve political agendas. The ongoing legal battle over Kejriwal’s arrest stems from allegations of corruption and money laundering related to the Delhi government’s excise policy for 2021-22.
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