Arvind Kejriwal accused ED of arbitrariness in Delhi Excise Policy case

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has claimed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has acted in a “most uncontrolled manner” in its money-laundering probe related to the alleged excise policy fraud. Responding to ED’s counter affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, Kejriwal claimed that he has always cooperated in the investigation.

Kejriwal’s reaction came after the ED said that one of the reasons for his detention was his failure to appear before the Investigating Officer (IO) after receiving nine summons. He criticized the ED’s approach, accusing it of ignoring due process, PTI reported.

According to the report, the Chief Minister said that each summons was responded to appropriately by providing relevant information. He questioned the need for physical presence, arguing that virtual channels of communication could be used instead.

“The above purport, text and content of the reply leave no doubt that the ED has acted in a very arbitrary manner in gross disregard of due process of law,” he said.

He said, “What was the need for not calling the petitioner (Kejriwal) through any authorized agent or asking for information or documents from him in writing or through virtual mode and insisting on his presence in person?” not coming.”

Kejriwal denied the ED naming him the “key conspirator” of the excise policy scheme and claimed the allegations were baseless. He claimed that his arrest was unfair and advocated for his release, PTI reported.

However, the ED claims that Kejriwal conspired with his ministers and party members, accusing him of accepting bribes in exchange for policy favors. It supported Kejriwal’s arrest, claiming that it was based on solid evidence.

Kejriwal was arrested on March 21 after the Delhi High Court refused to protect him from coercive action by the ED. He is currently in judicial custody in Tihar Jail. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to ED seeking its reply on the case challenging Kejriwal’s arrest.