Arvind Kejriwal Remanded To Three-Day CBI Custody In Liquor Policy Case

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was sent to a three-day CBI custody in connection with the liquor policy case.

Kejriwal was arrested by the central agency in connection with a money laundering probe linked to a now-scrapped excise policy.

Photo Credit: PTI

Following his arrest, a Delhi court, presided over by vacation judge Amitabh Rawat at Rouse Avenue, sent him to a three-day CBI custody.

Kejriwal is scheduled to be produced before the court again on June 29 before 7:00 PM.

"The application for PC remand allowed for 3 days. He will be produced on 29 before 7 PM," the court said.

During the trial hearing, the CBI argued that Arvind Kejriwal's custody was necessary to confront him with documents. The agency claimed that Kejriwal attributed the idea of privatisation to former Delhi minister Manish Sisodia.

The CBI also stated that Kejriwal mentioned Vijay Nair, the former communication-in-charge of AAP and an accused in the case, worked under Atishi and Saurabh Bhardwaj.

"The Chief Minister didn't take any ministry but has his hand in everything," CBI lawyer said.

Kejriwal's lawyer, Vikram Chaudhari, opposed the CBI's demand, stating he was not informed about the CBI's application to the court for permission to question Kejriwal.

"The manner in which this has been done is of grave concern. Please allow us access to the documents and defer this hearing to tomorrow... Heavens will not fall if we file a reply," Kejriwal's counsel said.

The CBI took Kejriwal's statement from jail on June 25 and requested his production before the trial court on Wednesday. Senior advocate DP Singh, representing the CBI, asserted that the investigation is the agency's prerogative and the law does not require informing the accused.

"The law does not say that I have to tell them when I want to go and investigate him. The same thing happened in the case of K Kavitha. I only need the court's permission," the CBI said.