“ED Affidavit Challenges Arvind Kejriwal’s Arrest, Alleges Destruction of Evidence”

In Short

• ED files affidavit against Arvind Kejriwal’s plea in Supreme Court
• Claims evidence tampering, evasion of interrogation by Chief Minister
• AAP refutes claims, accuses ED of being BJP’s political wing

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court opposing jailed Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest in a purported money laundering case linked to the now-nullified liquor policy. The affidavit alleges a significant tampering of evidence, including the destruction of approximately 170 mobile phones during the period of the alleged scam.

According to the ED, Kejriwal’s arrest was prompted by a widespread manipulation of evidence, coinciding with the emergence of irregularities related to the case. The agency also underscored Kejriwal’s repeated refusal to cooperate with the investigation, despite being summoned nine times by the investigating officer.

The affidavit further clarified that Kejriwal’s arrest followed his failure to secure protection from the Delhi High Court and his repeated non-compliance with the ED’s summonses. The agency emphasized that the arrest was conducted based on substantial evidence and was not influenced by any external factors, including the timing vis-à-vis the impending Lok Sabha elections.

In response to Kejriwal’s assertions regarding the timing of his arrest and its potential impact on electoral fairness, the ED argued that granting immunity from arrest to politicians facing criminal charges would undermine the integrity of the electoral process. The agency emphasized that the arrest of individuals accused of offenses does not compromise the principles of free and fair elections.

Reacting to the affidavit, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) rejected the ED’s claims, alleging that the agency was spreading falsehoods and lacked evidence against Kejriwal. AAP further accused the ED of operating as a political tool of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and suggested that the investigation was aimed at impeding Kejriwal’s election campaign.

Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED from his official residence in Delhi on March 21 and is currently detained in Tihar jail. Despite his incarceration, Kejriwal has not resigned from his position as Chief Minister, with the AAP asserting that he will continue to govern from behind bars.