Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been granted bail in a money laundering case related to the Delhi liquor policy. His lawyer argued that the Enforcement Directorate had no evidence against him, pointing out that the witnesses against Kejriwal were tainted individuals. The court denied the ED's request for more time to challenge the bail order, and Kejriwal is expected to be released from jail on Friday. The AAP supremo was arrested in March 2021 and was accused of using funds from liquor sellers to finance the party's campaign in Goa.
Arvind Kejriwal Granted Bail in Money Laundering Case
Background
In March 2021, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money laundering case related to the Delhi liquor policy. The ED alleged that Kejriwal had used funds from liquor sellers to finance the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) election campaign in Goa.
Kejriwal denied the allegations and his legal team argued that the ED had no evidence against him. The witnesses against Kejriwal were allegedly tainted individuals, and the ED failed to provide any concrete proof linking him to the money laundering scheme.
Bail Granted
On November 17, 2023, a Delhi court granted bail to Kejriwal. The court accepted the arguments of Kejriwal's lawyer that the ED lacked sufficient evidence against him. The court also declined the ED's request for more time to challenge the bail order.
Release from Jail
Kejriwal is expected to be released from Tihar Prison Complex on Friday, November 18, 2023. His release is a major victory for the AAP and a setback for the ED.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Why was Arvind Kejriwal arrested?
Kejriwal was arrested in connection with a money laundering case related to the Delhi liquor policy. The ED alleged that he had used funds from liquor sellers to finance the AAP's campaign in Goa.
2. What evidence did the ED have against Kejriwal?
The ED claimed to have statements from witnesses alleging that Kejriwal had received funds from liquor sellers. However, Kejriwal's legal team argued that these witnesses were tainted individuals and their testimony was unreliable.
3. What did the court say in its bail order?
The court ruled that the ED had not provided sufficient evidence to link Kejriwal to the money laundering scheme. The court also criticized the ED for failing to properly investigate the case.
4. Who is Arvind Kejriwal?
Kejriwal is the Chief Minister of Delhi and the founder of the AAP. He is a former activist and anti-corruption crusader.
5. What does the bail order mean for the AAP?
Kejriwal's release from jail is a major boost for the AAP. It will allow Kejriwal to focus on campaigning for the upcoming elections in Delhi and other states.
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