ED Motive Is To Create Smokescreen To Crush AAP: Kejriwal To Court

CHIEF MINISTER ARVIND Kejriwal, arrested a week ago by the Enforcement Directorate that is probing the Delhi excise policy case, told a Delhi court Thursday that the ED has two motives: To create a smokescreen to crush the AAP, and to create an extortion racket.

- NIRBHAY THAKUR

Produced before the Rouse Avenue Court of Special Judge Kaveri Baweja at the end of his six-day remand in ED custody, Kejriwal argued his own case and told the judge he was "ready to join the investigation".

The ED sought his custody for seven more days but the court granted only four days the remand will end April 1.

Making his submission, Kejriwal targeted the BJP: "Sarath Reddy (P Sarath Chandra Reddy, director Aurobindo Pharma and coaccused-turned-approver in of the case) contributed Rs 55 crore to the BJP. He bought his bail... The money trail is clearly established here." He also asked that the electoral bonds be submitted in court to show that Rs 55 crore was donated to the BJP by Reddy.

Reading four statements of witnesses and co-accused who mentioned his name, Kejriwal said he was not opposing the ED remand application.

"I am ready to join the investigation," he said.

He was interrupted multiple times by Additional Solicitor General S V Raju who appeared for ED. Following multiple requests to let him speak, the Judge granted permission for a few minutes.

Stating that there were over 51,000 pages submitted in court by both the CBI and the ED in their respective cases in the Delhi excise policy matter, Kejriwal, while reading out the four witness statements mentioning him, asked the court whether these were enough to arrest a sitting| Chief Minister.

The ED opposed Kejriwal's arguments, calling them "unnecessary political statements" which were irrelevant and not connected to the case.