The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has disclosed to the court that a money trail worth ₹45 crore has been traced in connection with the judicial custody extension of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The court has extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody until July 3, along with another accused in the case related to an alleged excise scam.
Kejriwal, who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail, was arrested by the ED on March 21 in the excise policy-linked money laundering case. He was granted interim bail for campaigning in the Lok Sabha elections but surrendered on June 2.
During the court proceedings, the ED’s counsel informed that Vinod Chauhan received ₹25 crore for the Goa election through Abhishek Boinpally. This amount is part of a larger money trail totaling ₹100 crore, of which ₹45 crore has been traced so far.
The investigation officer also mentioned that Vinod Chauhan is under investigation, and a prosecution complaint against him will be filed by the end of this month.
Additional Solicitor General SV Raju emphasized that the allegations against Kejriwal were brought by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), not the ED. He clarified that the case revolves around Kejriwal’s alleged role in demanding a ₹100 crore bribe.
In response, Kejriwal’s counsel, Vivek Jain, opposed the ED’s application for an extension of judicial custody. He argued that there are no grounds justifying the extension and pointed out that the arrest has already been challenged and is pending before the Supreme Court.
The court’s decision to extend Kejriwal’s judicial custody highlights the ongoing legal battle and the complexities surrounding the case. The revelation of the money trail adds a significant dimension to the investigation, raising questions about the alleged financial transactions and their implications in the larger context of the case.
Sources By Agencies
