Enforcement Directorate Acknowledges Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s Official Directive While in Custody

The Enforcement Directorate has taken cognizance of statements made by Delhi Water Minister Atishi regarding Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal issuing directives for public welfare works related to water and sewerage, while in the custody of the federal agency. According to official sources, the ED will investigate the nature of these directives to verify compliance with the stipulations outlined during Kejriwal’s custody period under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.

During the court’s decision to extend Kejriwal’s detention until March 28, provisions were made for his wife Sunita Kejriwal and personal assistant Bibhav Kumar to meet with him daily for a specified time frame to establish communication. The court also allowed his legal counsel a designated period to confer with the Chief Minister, as per reports.

At a public address, Atishi disclosed that she received a formal communication from Kejriwal while he was in ED custody, instructing the initiation of immediate public works initiatives concerning the water crisis and sewage system in the capital. Kejriwal emphasized the urgency of deploying additional water tankers to regions facing water scarcity, particularly in preparation for the forthcoming summer season. The Chief Minister’s directives involved liaison with key officials and the provision of specific solutions to address these pressing issues.

Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, was apprehended by the ED on March 21 in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering allegations. Kejriwal, who leads the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), had been probed about the formulation and execution of the now-defunct Delhi excise policy 2021-22, along with discussions held with government personnel and external stakeholders. The ED is also investigating the erasure or disappearance of electronic devices belonging to Kejriwal’s aides following the abrogation of the policy and subsequent law enforcement proceedings against AAP and CBI registered criminal cases.

While the ED’s accusations depict Kejriwal as the central figure in the Delhi excise policy «scam,» the Chief Minister and his political allies view these actions as a form of «political vendetta» orchestrated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. The ongoing investigation will assess the procedural integrity of Kejriwal’s interactions and directives during his ED custody. If discrepancies are identified, the special court overseeing the case will be duly notified.