The Delhi High Court has halted the release of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal following an urgent appeal by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The ED moved the court challenging a trial court’s decision to grant bail to Kejriwal in a high-profile money laundering case linked to a now-scrapped excise policy.
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and a prominent political figure, has been under investigation for his alleged involvement in a money laundering scheme associated with the Delhi government’s excise policy. The policy, which has since been scrapped, was initially implemented to reform and regulate the liquor trade in the capital. However, it soon became the center of controversy, with allegations of corruption and financial irregularities surfacing.
On June 20, a trial court had granted bail to Kejriwal, stating that there was insufficient evidence to justify his continued detention. The court highlighted that while the allegations were serious, the prosecution had failed to present concrete proof linking Kejriwal directly to the money laundering activities.
In a swift response, the ED filed an urgent appeal with the Delhi High Court on June 21, arguing that the trial court had overlooked key evidence and that releasing Kejriwal could potentially hamper the ongoing investigation. The ED emphasized the need for a thorough and uninterrupted investigation, citing concerns that Kejriwal’s release could lead to tampering with evidence or influencing witnesses.
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Taking cognizance of the ED’s arguments, the Delhi High Court temporarily stayed the trial court’s bail order. The High Court has scheduled a detailed hearing for next week to further examine the ED’s claims and the evidence presented. Until then, Kejriwal will remain in custody.
