The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for the third time in the ongoing liquor policy case, setting the stage for a potential confrontation as Kejriwal is attending a scheduled 10-day meditation retreat. Failure to comply with this summons may lead to the ED seeking a non-bailable warrant against him.
Following Kejriwal’s absence during the second summons, where he cited a pre-planned meditation session, the ED has rescheduled his appearance for January 3. The agency’s persistence suggests that the stakes are escalating, raising the possibility of legal repercussions if Kejriwal does not attend.
AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the fresh summons, insinuating that it appears more like a political maneuver than a legitimate legal process. Bharadwaj highlighted Kejriwal’s ongoing meditation session and questioned the validity of summoning him during this period.
In response to the agency’s prior summons, Kejriwal had denounced it as politically motivated and illegal. He maintained that he lives transparently and honestly, refuting any wrongdoing.
This series of summons began with an initial directive for Kejriwal to appear on November 2, which he contested, alleging that it lacked clarity regarding the purpose and nature of his summons.
Kejriwal’s prior encounter with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in April did not result in him being named as an accused. He vocally criticized the agency, asserting the absence of evidence against him or his party.
The speculation surrounding Kejriwal’s potential arrest heightened after ED’s summons, echoing the arrests of former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in February and AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh in October, both connected to the same case.
Throughout this ordeal, Kejriwal and AAP members have criticized the inquiries as politically motivated, emphasizing a lack of substantial evidence against them.
The ED’s relentless pursuit of Kejriwal in the liquor policy case continues to fuel tension between the agency and the Delhi government, setting the stage for a potential standoff amid Kejriwal’s scheduled absence due to his meditation retreat.
Sources By Agencies