Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal – arrested last month in the alleged liquor policy scam – lashed out at the probe agency Wednesday afternoon, declaring “the sole purpose of the arrest is to humiliate me… to incapacitate me”. Arguing for bail before the Delhi High Court, Mr Kejriwal said the ED had arrested him “without any inquiry, statement, or material that could be basis of arrest”.
The AAP boss – whose arrest weeks before the Lok Sabha election led to furious protests and claims the ruling BJP is trying to shut down rival parties to ensure a massive victory – accused the agency of preventing him from participating in elections. “Efforts are being made to break the AAP,” he said.
Mr Kejriwal is currently in Delhi’s Tihar Jail. He was jailed till April 15.
Appearing for the Chief Minister, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi argued the ED “does not have any evidence against Mr Kejriwal”. “While arresting Mr Kejriwal, no attempt was made to take his statement at home… ED should have done this before arresting him,” Mr Singhvi said.
“Was there a possibility of Arvind Kejriwal fleeing? Did he try to influence any witness in one-and-a half years? Did he refuse to be questioned?” he asked.
