Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal’s Custody in Graft Case Extended to April 1
An Indian court has extended the custody of opposition leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal until April 1 in a graft case related to the city’s liquor policy, according to local media reports on Thursday. Kejriwal, who leads the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested by India’s financial crime-fighting agency last week in connection with corruption allegations concerning Delhi’s liquor policy.
The arrest comes amidst a backdrop of political tension as India prepares for general elections starting on April 19. Kejriwal’s AAP claims that the case against him is fabricated and politically motivated, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) deny any political interference, asserting that law enforcement agencies are simply fulfilling their duties.
Kejriwal, aged 55, has described his arrest as a “political conspiracy” and vowed that the public will respond to it. He accused the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the agency that arrested him, of aiming to suppress the AAP. During court proceedings, ED lawyers argued for an extension of Kejriwal’s custody, stating that he was not cooperating and needed further interrogation.
Kejriwal’s arrest has sparked protests in Delhi and the neighboring state of Punjab, both of which are governed by the AAP. AAP supporters have been detained while protesting, including an attempt to march to Modi’s residence. Despite these challenges, AAP supporters remain determined, expressing confidence in their ability to win elections despite the obstacles.
The issue has gained international attention, with the United States and Germany calling for a fair and impartial trial in the case. In response, New Delhi emphasized that India’s legal processes are based on an independent judiciary and urged foreign nations to refrain from interfering in its internal affairs.
The situation underscores the political tensions surrounding Kejriwal’s arrest and its implications for the upcoming elections. As the legal proceedings continue, AAP and its allies plan to hold a joint rally to protest against Kejriwal’s arrest and rally support for their cause.
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