CBI Labels Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal as “Sutradhaar” in Excise Policy Case, Special Prosecutor Reveals Evidence

New Delhi, 29th July 2024: On Monday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) described Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as the “sutradhaar” (facilitator) in the Delhi excise policy case. Special public prosecutor DP Singh informed the Delhi High Court that the CBI arrested Kejriwal only after substantial evidence began to surface against him.

The Delhi High Court, which is reviewing Kejriwal’s request for regular bail, has reserved its judgment.

DP Singh stated that the evidence against Kejriwal emerged only after his arrest, with several individuals, including AAP workers, coming forward. He argued that the CBI could not have concluded its investigation without detaining the AAP leader.

The prosecutor claimed the CBI possesses evidence implicating Kejriwal’s direct involvement in the alleged scam and expressed concerns that, despite the charge sheet being filed, the Chief Minister might still influence witnesses.

Kejriwal’s defence lawyer, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, countered that the CBI had not questioned the Chief Minister since his arrest, except during police remand. Singhvi argued that the agency lacks direct evidence against Kejriwal and has not made any recoveries from his residence.

Singhvi further asserted that Kejriwal was not solely responsible for the excise policy’s development or implementation, as it was an institutional decision involving numerous bureaucrats, including the Lieutenant Governor and representatives from nine ministries. He contended that the case relies on hearsay rather than direct evidence and suggested that the CBI should also consider charging the Lieutenant Governor.

Singhvi objected to the notion that the Lieutenant Governor had any involvement, while the CBI filed a chargesheet against Kejriwal and others in the Rouse Avenue Court.