ED can keep Kejriwal under custody till April 15, says ‘not cooperative’

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to remain in Enforcement Directorate custody for an additional 15 days in connection with the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam, as the Rouse Avenue Court has acceded to the ED's demand, citing Kejriwal's non-cooperative behaviour.

Kejriwal was brought before the Rouse Avenue Court as his initial custody term concluded. Throughout this period, Kejriwal, though physically confined, seemingly continued to govern Delhi, with his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, acting as an intermediary, conveying his directives to his Cabinet colleagues.

Kejriwal's counsel moved an application seeking permission for the CM to access three specific books during his custody: The Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Neerja Chowdhury's "How Prime Ministers Decide."

However, the ED's stance remained adamant, highlighting Kejriwal's alleged lack of cooperation, particularly regarding access to his electronic devices. The ED's counsel pointed out Kejriwal's refusal to provide passwords, indicating a potential hurdle in accessing crucial electronic evidence.

Moreover, investigators revealed their efforts to enlist Apple's assistance in unlocking Kejriwal's iPhone, which remained inaccessible due to his refusal to divulge the password. This development hinted at the possibility of pertinent information residing within Kejriwal's device, including details related to AAP's election strategies and potential alliances.

The ED's pursuit of electronic evidence took a prominent place in the proceedings, as senior officials hinted at the significance of accessing Kejriwal's phone data and chats. They suggested that such access could unveil critical insights into the AAP's political manoeuvres, particularly in the lead-up to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Outside the courtroom, Kejriwal made a brief statement, criticizing Prime Minister Modi's governance, albeit without elaborating on specific grievances. This remark hinted at the ongoing political tension between Kejriwal's AAP and the ruling party at the centre.

Sunita Kejriwal, the CM's wife, emerged as a vocal advocate, portraying her husband as a 'freedom fighter' and 'sher' (lion) dedicated to serving the people of Delhi, even from behind bars.

She articulated six guarantees purportedly championed by Kejriwal, ranging from promises of improved infrastructure to the contentious issue of statehood for Delhi, should the Opposition alliance emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.