The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is set to lodge its first formal charges against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with a money laundering probe linked to the now-defunct liquor policy. This would mark the first time Kejriwal is implicated as a defendant in this case.
The Enforcement Directorate’s action is expected to align with a Supreme Court session on Friday regarding interim bail for Kejriwal in the liquor policy case. Within the chargesheet, the ED will reportedly label Kejriwal as a ‘kingpin’ and a primary conspirator in the liquor policy case.
The investigating agency has asserted that it has established a financial trail associated with Kejriwal.
On Wednesday, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, heading the Supreme Court bench, instructed Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, to prepare his arguments for Friday’s hearing.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna stated that the interim order regarding interim bail would be announced on Friday. He also mentioned that the main matter concerning the challenge to the arrest would be addressed on the same day.
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On Tuesday, Kejriwal did not receive any reprieve from the Supreme Court. The bench comprising Justices Khanna and Dipankar Datta concluded without issuing an order granting him interim bail, which would have allowed him to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections.
The bench expressed concerns about Kejriwal potentially fulfilling his official duties if released on interim bail, citing a possible conflict of interest.
Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in relation to the liquor policy case. Presently, he is detained in Delhi’s Tihar Jail.
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