Delhi court on Wednesday extended Chief Minister Arvind KejriwalArvind Kejriwal‘s judicial custody till July 3 in connection with a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise scam.
Special Judge Niyay Bindu extended Kejriwal’s custody after he was produced before the court via video conference upon the expiry of his earlier judicial custody.
Kejriwal’s counsel opposed the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) application for an extension, arguing that there were no grounds to justify it.
The judge also heard submissions on Kejriwal’s bail application and will resume arguments on Thursday.
During the hearing, Kejriwal’s counsel asserted that the case against the Chief Minister is based solely on statements from individuals who have admitted their guilt, questioning their credibility. He argued that the prosecution’s case lacks substantive evidence, particularly the claim of a Rs 100 crore bribe from the South Group.
The counsel further pointed out inconsistencies in the co-accused’s statements and criticized the investigation process as oppressive.
He mentioned that the Supreme Court had granted Kejriwal interim bail, acknowledging there was no risk of him fleeing or influencing the investigation.
The ED countered, stating that Kejriwal’s lack of criminal antecedents and his constitutional position were not relevant factors for granting bail under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
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They argued that the statements from approvers are legally recognised evidence and that Kejriwal demanded a Rs 100 crore bribe for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The ED further stated that Kejriwal’s involvement is evidenced by the conduct of his associates and the financial trail leading to Goa and Hawala dealers. They emphasized that the court’s cognizance of the money laundering offence has not been challenged. (With Inputs from PTI)
