New Delhi, 27 June 2024 – Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's hopes for an early release have been dashed as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has taken him into custody for three days. Kejriwal, the convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), was arrested by the CBI from the court premises in connection with an excise case. This follows an earlier arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the same case.

On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court rejected Kejriwal’s bail plea, leading to a CBI team interrogating him in jail and recording his statement. The CBI sought a five-day remand, but the court granted three days of custody instead.

Kejriwal was produced by Tihar Jail authorities in a Delhi trial court, where both the CBI and Kejriwal's defense presented their arguments before Special Judge Amitabh Rawat. Despite Kejriwal's opposition, the judge granted the CBI's request for a three-day custody.

Kejriwal claimed that he was interrogated in jail without prior notice and opposed the CBI's plea. The CBI informed Kejriwal of the reasons for his arrest during the court session.

In the ongoing Delhi government's liquor policy scam investigation, the ED initially arrested Kejriwal in March. He has been in jail since then. On June 20, a lower court granted him bail, but this decision was challenged by the ED in the Delhi High Court.

On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court stayed the lower court’s bail order, prompting the CBI to take immediate steps to interrogate Kejriwal. Subsequently, the CBI arrested him on Wednesday morning in connection with the excise corruption case.

Following his arrest from the court premises, Kejriwal appealed to the Supreme Court to withdraw his earlier bail plea. The Supreme Court granted his request, allowing him to file a fresh plea. Kejriwal's legal team has indicated that a robust appeal will be made against the High Court's order.