In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on charges related to money laundering associated with excise policy. This comes shortly after the arrest of former Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren. Kejriwal, who succeeded Soren as the second CM to be arrested, was taken into custody by the ED team. On January 31, 2024, following extensive interrogation regarding land scams, Hemant Soren was apprehended from his CM residence.
Despite no relief from the Delhi High Court, Arvind Kejriwal was detained by the ED team on Thursday night. The High Court’s refusal to grant relief was swiftly followed by the ED officials apprehending Kejriwal.
ED’s move to arrest Hemant Soren in the land scam case preceded the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal, who became the second CM to face such action. The ED had sent ten summons to Soren regarding the scam related to lands in the Badi Gaain region of Ranchi. He appeared for questioning only twice, amidst tight security arrangements. Subsequently, he was taken into custody. Prior to his arrest, he had resigned from his position and is currently held in Birsa Munda Central Jail in Ranchi. The judicial custody period has been extended until April 4. During his detention, the ED has questioned him multiple times.”