Delhi Liquor Policy Case: CM Arvind Kejriwal, BRS' K Kavitha's Judicial Custody Extended Till Sep 2

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and BRS leader K Kavitha will remain in judicial custody until September 2. This decision was made by Special Judge Kaveri Baweja after the accused appeared via video conference. The case involves alleged money laundering linked to the Delhi excise policy scam.

The Supreme Court had previously granted interim bail to Kejriwal. However, he remains in Tihar Jail as he has not yet furnished the required bail bond. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the alleged corruption case involving him.

Judicial Custody Extended

On August 5, the Delhi High Court denied Kejriwal's bail plea concerning the excise policy case. The court had reserved its decision on July 29 after hearing arguments from both Kejriwal's counsel and the CBI. Earlier, on July 17, the High Court had also reserved its order on his plea challenging his arrest by the CBI.

The controversy revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering in implementing Delhi's now-scrapped excise policy for 2021-22. The policy allegedly favoured certain liquor traders who paid bribes for licences, a charge that AAP has consistently denied. Following these allegations, Delhi Lt Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI probe, leading to a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Allegations and Investigations

The CBI and ED claim that irregularities occurred while modifying the excise policy, with undue favours extended to licence holders. These agencies allege that cartelisation was allowed under this policy, benefiting specific dealers who paid bribes.

Kejriwal's judicial custody is part of an ongoing investigation into these allegations. Despite being granted interim bail by the Supreme Court, he remains in jail due to not meeting bail conditions.

The case continues to unfold as authorities delve deeper into the alleged corruption and money laundering activities linked to Delhi's excise policy for 2021-22.