CBI makes formal arrest of CM Kejriwal in excise policy case

New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi and a leader of the AAP has been detained by the Central Bureau of Investigation in a corruption case related to the alleged excise policy scam. Since his arrest on March 21 in connection with a suspected money laundering case by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the CM has been detained in the Tihar Jail.

Regardless of the Supreme Court's ruling on Kejriwal's release in the ED case, he may remain in jail for the time being due to a formal arrest in the CBI case. But unlike the strict Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the standard of bail is different under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, Indian Express reported.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was represented by Public Prosecutor DP Singh, who gave a number of statements on the case following the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

He said, "The evidence shows that the South Group dictated the formulation of the policy. Even before the policy was officially announced, efforts began to identify beneficiaries aligned with it."

He further remarked, "The notification process was rushed, and no formal meetings were convened. The Chief Minister was leading these efforts.”

DP Singh further stated, 'We have traced the precise trail of 45 crores allegedly used in the Goa elections by the AAP.'

He went on to accuse AAP members of manipulating the policy, and that the CBI has proof of it. 'There were some officers who weren't happy...they were not ready to sign the policy...he was changed,' Singh said.