New Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is facing allegations of money laundering in the alleged liquor scam, finally had to surrender before the Tihar Jail administration on June 2. He has been accused of being involved in this scam. The Supreme Court had granted interim bail to CM Arvind Kejriwal to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections-2024. Along with this, the date of surrender was also fixed. However, Arvind Kejriwal had sought extension of bail period by 7 more days to conduct medical tests, citing unexpected deterioration in health. The vacation bench of the Supreme Court rejected his application. After this, he approached the trial court. During the hearing in the trial court, ASG SV Raju, appearing on behalf of ED, in his argument made serious statements about CM Kejriwal’s claims and his health.
ASG SV Raju appeared on behalf of the investigating agency Enforcement Directorate through video conferencing. On Arvind Kejriwal’s health related claims, ASG Raju said, ‘Medical examination can be done in an hour or even less. All these tests do not last for several days. He does not have any medical condition that developed suddenly. He was traveling all over India. This medical condition was there even when the Supreme Court passed the order. If he wanted, he could have raised this issue before the Supreme Court. All this is his imagination. All this is a lie.’
‘Pandora’s box will open’, ASG Raju’s retort to Kapil Sibal’s argument, Supreme Court’s question stunned everyone
Question on CM Kejriwal’s weight
ASG Raju argued in the court that when Arvind Kejriwal was taken to Tihar Jail, his weight was 64 kg. Today he is saying that his weight is 65 kg. The weight has increased by 1 kg. All these things are just for sympathy. On this, Kejriwal’s lawyer said that during ED custody, CM Arvind Kejriwal’s weight was 69 kg. On this, ASG Raju said, ‘He (Kejriwal) says that the ketone level has increased. Kidney is not the only reason for increased ketone level. You can also have UTI. He does not have a kidney related disease. Otherwise he would have needed dialysis.’
Questions were raised on Kejriwal’s petition
ASG Raju questioned the application filed for extension of interim bail period and regular bail of CM Arvind Kejriwal. He said that it is not acceptable. It is also against the order of the Supreme Court. It is clearly stated in the order that Arvind Kejriwal will surrender by June 2. The Supreme Court has not yet made any amendment in its order. In this way, ASG Raju raised questions on the basis of the petition itself. He further said that Section 45 of PMLA cannot be ignored for interim bail. Kejriwal has deliberately hidden the information that he went to the Supreme Court for similar relief. This has been done deliberately. This petition should be rejected on the basis of hiding such facts.
Tags: CM Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi liquor scam, Directorate of Enforcement
FIRST PUBLISHED : June 4, 2024, 23:06 IST