Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal asserted on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had acknowledged the “fake” nature of the excise policy case due to insufficient evidence. He urged the PM to release all those who had been arrested in connection with the matter.
Speaking at a virtual press conference, Kejriwal stated that despite the BJP’s allegations of a scam and subsequent arrests, no incriminating evidence was discovered during the extensive raids. Referring to recent remarks by the Prime Minister in an interview, Kejriwal highlighted Modi’s characterization of him as an “experienced thief,” insinuating that this was an attempt to conceal the lack of evidence in the alleged scam. Kejriwal emphasized that since no proof or recovery had been made, those arrested should be released.
In a previous interview, PM Modi had labeled Kejriwal as an “experienced thief,” suggesting that someone familiar with the workings of investigative agencies could evade detection. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court rejected bail petitions from Manish Sisodia, former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi and Aam Aadmi Party leader, in cases related to the liquor policy. Sisodia had sought bail in investigations conducted by both the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He has been in custody since February 26, 2023, first arrested by the CBI and subsequently by the ED. Kejriwal and BRS Leader K Kavitha were also arrested in connection with the excise policy case. Kejriwal was released from Delhi’s Tihar Jail on May 10, following a 50-day detention on corruption charges linked to the alleged liquor policy scam, after the Supreme Court granted him bail until June 1.
