Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is sent to judicial custody until June 5 by a court by a court in Delhi on Sunday in connection with a money laundering case related to the alleged excise scam. The decision came after Kejriwal’s appearance via video conference following his surrender at Tihar Jail upon the expiration of his interim bail, which had been granted by the Supreme Court to allow him to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections.
Duty Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal issued the order on a request from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which sought a 14-day extension of Kejriwal’s judicial custody. The application for the extension had been submitted by the ED on May 20 while Kejriwal was out on interim bail.
The court noted that a ruling on Kejriwal’s plea for interim bail on health grounds is expected on June 5, and thus ordered his custody to continue until that date.
In response to Kejriwal’s surrender and subsequent custody, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Gopal Rai declared that the party would persist in its fight against what he termed as “tyranny” and continue to serve the people. Rai expressed confidence that Kejriwal would be released after the INDIA bloc, a coalition opposed to the ruling government, comes to power on June 4.
“Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was on interim bail granted by the Supreme Court for 21 days. He has now returned to jail, but we believe that after June 4, when the dictatorship ends, he will be released,” Rai said on Sunday.
Rai also commented on the current political climate, stating, “The entire country is questioning the exit polls, but the real results will be revealed on June 4.” He conveyed Kejriwal’s message to supporters, emphasising their commitment to continue fighting against oppression and serving the public, even as the Chief Minister remains in custody.
Before his surrender to Tihar Jail authorities, Kejriwal addressed AAP workers, reaffirming their dedication to the party’s mission despite the challenges ahead.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)