AAP Raises Alarm: Atishi Claims Possible Arrest of Kejriwal Today, Citing Anticipated ED Raids and 3 Summons to Delhi CM

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal May Face Arrest

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal could be arrested on Thursday (January 4). Delhi government ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj had expressed their concerns on social media on Wednesday (January 3).

Atishi wrote in her post – “News is coming that tomorrow morning ED will raid Arvind Kejriwal’s house. There is a possibility of an arrest. Saurabh Bharadwaj wrote – “ED is going to raid CM Kejriwal’s house tomorrow morning to arrest him.”

ED has summoned Kejriwal for the third time in the Delhi Leaks case. Earlier, Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj had appeared before ED on November 2 and December 21. After receiving the summons on December 21, Kejriwal refused to appear, stating that they were busy with preparations for the Rajya Sabha elections and Republic Day. If you have any questions, please ask them in writing.

Earlier, Kejriwal had dismissed both summons as illegal and politically motivated and had refused to appear before ED. After receiving the summons for the third time, Kejriwal has been on a ten-day silent fast for the farmers in Hoshiarpur, Punjab.

Atishi Raises Concerns of Arvind Kejriwal’s Possible Arrest on November 2

For the second time, there is concern within the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) about the possible arrest of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on November 2. This concern was expressed by Atishi on October 31, stating that there might be a possibility of Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on November 2. On November 2, heavy security was witnessed in Delhi, especially around the Rajghat area.

Earlier this year, in April, Kejriwal faced nearly 9.5 hours of questioning by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding the office’s liquor policy. On that occasion, he had arrived at the agency’s office at 11:10 AM and left at 8:30 PM. Kejriwal had stated that he had nothing to hide and had answered all the questions posed by the CBI.

It’s noteworthy that this is not the first time Atishi has raised concerns about Kejriwal’s potential arrest. Previously, on October 31, she had mentioned the possibility of Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED on November 2. The AAP leader had dismissed the summons as politically motivated and had refused to appear before the ED.

Key Points about Delhi’s Liquor Policy Controversy

1. Introduction of New Liquor Policy in November 2021:
   • Announced by Delhi’s Deputy CM Manish Sisodia on March 22, 2021.
   • The policy aimed at bringing liquor shops under private hands.
   • Two key points: Ending the liquor mafia rule and increasing revenue in the government treasury.
2. Allegations of Scams in July 2022:
   • On July 8, 2022, Delhi’s Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar was accused of corruption in the new liquor policy.
   • Sisodia was accused of favoring ineligible liquor traders.
   • The LG, Vijay Saksena, supported these claims in a report.
3. CBI and ED Investigation in August 2022:
   • Based on the Chief Secretary’s report, the CBI registered a case on August 17, 2022.
   • Charges included corruption, irregularities, and favoritism in the liquor policy.
   • On August 22, ED also registered a case regarding money laundering based on CBI’s information.
4. Government Rolls Back New Policy in July 2022:
   • Responding to the ongoing controversy, the Delhi government rolled back the new liquor policy on July 28, 2022.
   • The decision was made to reconsider and re-implement the old policy due to protests and allegations.
5. Custody of Manish Sisodia in February 2023:
   • Manish Sisodia, who was in charge of the Excise Department, was arrested by the CBI on February 26, 2023.
   • He was the main accused in the liquor policy scam, alleged to have taken unilateral and partisan decisions, causing significant financial losses to the government.