Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Taken To Tihar Jail, Will Be Kept In Prison Number 2

NEW DELHI: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was escorted to Tihar jail on Monday, following a court decision earlier in the day. He is designated to stay in Prison Number 2.

Judicial Custody in Money Laundering Case

The court’s decision came after Kejriwal was sent to 14-day judicial custody in connection with a money laundering case linked to the liquor policy.

Enforcement Directorate Arrest

Kejriwal, leader of the AAP, was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, leading to his subsequent custody and judicial proceedings.

Isolation and Surveillance in Jail

In jail, Kejriwal will be housed alone in a cell under 24-hour CCTV surveillance, with stringent security measures in place.

Medical Care and Personal Belongings

Considering his medical history, Kejriwal will receive prescribed medication and a specialized diet while in confinement. Additionally, he will be permitted to keep a religious locket that he currently wears.

Verdict by Rouse Avenue Court

The verdict was issued by the Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi, marking the conclusion of Kejriwal’s custody with the ED.

Legal Proceedings and Arguments

During the proceedings, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the ED, argued against further remand for Kejriwal, citing his alleged non-cooperative behavior and obstruction of the investigation.

Book Request in Jail

Kejriwal’s legal team has requested permission for him to have specific books—Bhagavad Gita, Ramayan, and How Prime Ministers Decide by journalist Neerja Chaudhary—while in jail.

Delhi High Court’s Directive

The Delhi High Court has instructed the ED to submit a status report to the trial court regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to restrict Kejriwal from issuing directives while in custody.

Arrest Circumstances and Custodial Extension

Kejriwal’s arrest by the ED followed interrogation at his official residence on March 21. Initially, he was in the custody of the federal agency until March 28, with an extension of four days, which culminated today.

Post-Arrest Rally and Political Response

The Delhi Chief Minister appeared before the court a day after the ‘Loktantra Bachao’ rally organized by the Opposition INDIA bloc at Ramlila Maidan to protest his arrest.

The rally saw participation from various political figures, including Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi, as well as leaders from other parties. Sunita Kejriwal, Kejriwal’s wife, and Kalpana Soren, wife of former Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, also addressed the gathering.

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