Delhi liquor scam: Kejriwal appears before CBI, AAP leaders stage protest

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for questioning in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case.

Hours before joining the CBI probe, Kejriwal claimed that the CBI may arrest him acting at the behest of the BJP government.

In a five-minute video message on Twitter, Kejriwal said he will honestly answer questions posed by the CBI in the excise case. 'When I have not done any wrong, there is nothing to hide,' he said

"These (BJP) people are very strong. They can send anyone to jail. If BJP has ordered CBI to arrest me, then CBI will obviously follow their instructions," Kejriwal said.

"High on power, they are threatening everyone, be it politicians, judges, or the media, they have the power to jail anyone who doesn't listen to them," he added.

"You (BJP) say that I am corrupt. I was a Commissioner in the Income Tax department, I could have earned crores if I wanted to. If Arvind Kejriwal is corrupt then there is no one in this world who is honest," he asked.

"I love my country and Bharat Mata. I can sacrifice my life for the country," Kejriwal asserted.

In a show of strength, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant MannAAP MPs and some Delhi ministers accompanied Kejriwal, whose questioning is the first for a serving Chief Minister in recent times.

The CBI is likely to question Kejriwal on the statements of other accused regarding the manner in which the policy was framed and details of a "south lobby", news agency PTI reported.

Opposition parties have accused the Modi government of misusing central agencies agencies to target and harass rivals.

Meanwhile, The police have stepped up security outside the CBI headquarters ahead of Kejriwal's appearance before it on Sunday in connection with the excise policy case.

Nearly 1,000 security personnel, including from paramilitary forces, have been deployed outside the CBI office and section 144 of the CrPC has also been imposed in the area. Security has also been tightened outside AAP office at Rouse Avenue.

Several AAP workers protesting against the Kejriwal's CBI questioning have been detained by the police.