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New Delhi: On Friday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal withdrew his plea against his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with an excise policy-linked money laundering case from the Supreme Court . A three-judge bench was hearing Kejriwal’s petition after he was arrested on Thursday night by a 12-member team of the probe agency which reached his official residence with a search warrant.
During the Supreme Court hearing, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Arvind Kejriwal, informed the bench that the Delhi Chief Minister has decided to withdraw the petition. While withdrawing the plea, Singhvi told the Supreme Court Kejriwal will “fight the remand and then come back to your lordships”.
Singhvi stated that the withdrawal is necessary as it conflicts with Kejriwal’s ongoing remand proceedings. The probe agency has begun its first round of questioning the chief minister. After his arrest, the AAP said Kejriwal will continue to be the chief minister and will discharge his duties from jail.
AAP leader Atishi said,”Arvind Kejriwal is and will remain the chief minister of Delhi…there is no second thought.” The party has announced nationwide protests against the arrest. AAP workers began their protest at Delhi’s ITO, where security has been beefed up. Paramilitary forces in anti-riot gear have been deployed to prevent any protests. All roads leading to the AAP office in Delhi have been closed.
