In its order granting bail to Delhi CM and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, a Delhi court criticized the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for its biased investigation in the money laundering case against him. The court stated that the ED failed to provide any direct evidence linking Kejriwal to the proceeds of the crime and also did not show that another accused was acting on his behalf. The court further questioned the ED's silence on certain key issues and ordered Kejriwal's release on a bail bond of ₹1 lakh.
Background:
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and the head of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on August 20, 2022, in connection with a money laundering case. The ED alleged that Kejriwal had laundered over ₹1 crore through his NGO, Public Cause Research Foundation (PCRF).
Court Ruling:
On August 22, 2022, the Delhi High Court granted bail to Arvind Kejriwal. The court criticized the ED for its "biased investigation" and stated that it failed to provide any concrete evidence linking Kejriwal to the proceeds of the crime. The court also questioned the ED's silence on certain key issues.
Charges Against Kejriwal:
The ED had alleged that Kejriwal had received illegal funds from various sources and had laundered them through PCRF. The ED claimed that the funds were used to finance Kejriwal's political activities and his NGO's activities.
Kejriwal's Defense:
Kejriwal denied all the charges against him. He claimed that the funds received by PCRF were legitimate donations and that he had no knowledge of any illegal activities.
FAQs:
1. Why was Arvind Kejriwal arrested? He was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a money laundering case.
2. What is the money laundering case against Kejriwal? The ED alleged that Kejriwal laundered over ₹1 crore through his NGO, PCRF.
3. What did the court say about the ED's investigation? The court criticized the ED for its "biased investigation" and stated that it failed to provide any concrete evidence linking Kejriwal to the proceeds of the crime.
4. Why was Kejriwal granted bail? Bail was granted due to lack of strong evidence provided by ED and court could not establish any direct link between Kejriwal and money laundering.
5. What are Kejriwal's next steps? Kejriwal has stated that he will continue to fight the charges against him and that he is confident that he will be cleared of all wrongdoing.
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