Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal faced interrogation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) twice this week regarding the alleged liquor policy case. Arvind Kejriwal, who is currently detained at Tihar jail, was questioned for over an hour on both Monday and Tuesday by the central probe agency.
The investigation stems from the Delhi liquor policy 2021-22, which was annulled following an order by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, prompting a CBI inquiry into suspected irregularities and corruption related to its formulation and implementation.
The timing of Arvind Kejriwal’s questioning coincided with a crucial legal development. It occurred a day before the Supreme Court was scheduled to hear an AAP petition challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to suspend the bail granted to the Chief Minister by a trial court.
Initially granted bail on June 20 by a trial court with an order for release on a ₹1 lakh personal bond, the decision was stayed by the high court on Tuesday. The high court criticized the trial court’s bail order, alleging lapses in judgement and failure to apply proper scrutiny.
Meanwhile, the AAP has alleged a conspiracy involving CBI officials aimed at framing Arvind Kejriwal in what they describe as a “false case” leading to his arrest. The CBI has denied these allegations.
Arvind Kejriwal was previously arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on March 21, shortly after the Delhi High Court refused to shield him from arrest over summonses issued in connection with the case.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had granted interim bail to Arvind Kejriwal until June 1 to campaign during the Lok Sabha elections, with instructions to surrender thereafter. He has remained in custody since June 2.
Both the ED and CBI have accused the Delhi government’s 2021-22 liquor policy of fostering cartelization and favoritism towards certain dealers who allegedly paid bribes for licenses. The AAP has vehemently refuted these allegations.
