'Afterthought insurance arrest': Arvind Kejriwal 's lawyer questions CBI's action in Delhi excise policy case

Delhi Excise Policy Case: AAP Chief's Arrest Challenged

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal 's lawyer, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi , has described the Delhi chief minister's arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as an "afterthought insurance arrest". Singhvi made this claim while arguing before the Delhi High Court in favor of Kejriwal 's plea challenging his arrest and remand by the CBI in the Delhi excise policy case.

Lack of Material Evidence and Grounds for Arrest

Singhvi claimed that the CBI neither has any material evidence nor valid grounds for Kejriwal 's arrest. He argued that the agency had not even considered arresting his client until June 2024, only after the trial court granted Kejriwal a regular bail in the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) money laundering case related to the now-scrapped excise policy.

"CBI has not thought me to interrogate till June. The scam allegedly took place in August 2022 and you are in June. Just 2 months short of August, you suddenly feel the need to arrest him?" - Abhishek Manu Singhvi

Violation of Legal Procedures

Singhvi further argued that Kejriwal 's arrest violated Section 41 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), as the CBI did not specify the clause under which he was arrested or provide any reason for the arrest.

"The arrest is in breach of the procedure established by law," - Abhishek Manu Singhvi

Allegations Against Kejriwal in the Liquor Policy Case

The CBI has accused Kejriwal of deliberately manipulating the liquor policy, causing windfall gains to wholesalers in exchange for "illegal gratification of ₹100 crore from the South Group" to fund the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) election expenses for the Goa polls. The agency alleges that Kejriwal was part of a conspiracy in the liquor scam and that all Delhi government decisions were taken under his direction.

Kejriwal 's Health Concerns

Singhvi also raised concerns about Kejriwal 's health, stating that his blood sugar level had dropped below 50 while he was sleeping, which could be dangerous and life-threatening.

"Blood sugar has gone to 50 while sleeping. This is a cause of concern. Sugar levels dropping while the person is sleeping is dangerous. The person might not wake up." - Abhishek Manu Singhvi

The Delhi High Court is currently hearing Kejriwal 's pleas seeking bail and challenging his arrest by the CBI in the corruption case related to the alleged liquor policy scam.