Why Was Arvind Kejriwal Arrested? A Detailed Explanation of the Reasons for and Implications of His Arrest

Explanation of the Reasons for and Implications of Arvind Kejriwal Arreste

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Arvind Kejriwal Arreste, the sequence of events leading up to it, and its impact on Indian politics.

Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in March 2024 as part of investigations into the alleged Delhi liquor policy scam. Consequently, his arrest sparked a massive political upheaval, prompting many to question whether this was a case of political rivalry or widespread corruption in the nation.

Who Is Arvind Kejriwal?

Arvind Kejriwal served as the Chief Minister of Delhi from February 14, 2015, until September 21, 2024. Notably, he was known for his strong stance against corruption and his efforts toward governance reform. However, his tenure ended abruptly following his arrest, which triggered a prolonged legal battle.

Subsequently, Atishi Marlena took over as the 8th Chief Minister of Delhi on September 21, 2024. However, her tenure was short-lived, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victory in the February 2025 Delhi elections. As a result, Rekha Gupta assumed office as the Chief Minister of Delhi on February 20, 2025.

Understanding the Delhi Liquor Policy Scam

What Was the Delhi Liquor Policy?

In 2021, the Delhi government introduced a new liquor policy with several key objectives:

• Maximizing government revenue.
• Enhancing customer experience.
• Eradicating corruption and dismantling the liquor mafia.
• Allowing private players to operate liquor shops instead of the government.

However, shortly after the policy was implemented, allegations emerged that it unfairly benefited certain private firms in exchange for kickbacks, ultimately causing financial losses for the government.

Allegations Against Arvind Kejriwal

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleged that:

1. The policy was designed to favor a liquor lobby in return for illegal kickbacks.
2. AAP leaders, including Kejriwal, accepted bribes.
3. The revenue generated from the policy was misused for election-related activities.

Given the gravity of these allegations, a thorough investigation ensued, leading to multiple arrests, including that of Manish Sisodia, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi.

Timeline of Events Leading to Kejriwal’s Arrest

1. Summons and Investigations
   • The ED issued multiple summonses to Kejriwal throughout 2023 and early 2024.
   • However, Kejriwal repeatedly refused to appear, dismissing the case as politically motivated.
   • Eventually, the Delhi High Court ordered him to cooperate with the investigation.
2. Arrest on March 21, 2024
   • Subsequently, the ED conducted a raid at Kejriwal’s residence.
   • Following an interrogation, he was arrested on charges of money laundering.
   • Thus, he became the first serving Chief Minister of Delhi to be arrested while in office.
3. Judicial Proceedings and Denial of Bail
   • Kejriwal was taken into ED custody for further interrogation.
   • Additionally, his two bail pleas were rejected by the Delhi High Court.
4. Interim Bail for Elections
   • On May 10, 2024, the Supreme Court granted him interim bail until June 1, 2024, allowing him to campaign during the 2024 General Elections.
5. Re-custody and Further Arrests
   • After the interim bail period ended, Kejriwal surrendered on June 2, 2024, and was sent back to judicial custody.
   • Subsequently, on June 26, 2024, the CBI re-arrested him from Tihar Jail for the same case.
6. September 2024 Supreme Court Bail
   • Following more than five months in jail, the Supreme Court, on September 13, 2024, granted him regular bail, citing prolonged detention without trial as unreasonable.

Political Impact of Arvind Kejriwal Arreste

1. AAP’s Reputation Suffers
   • The arrest of Kejriwal and other AAP leaders significantly tarnished the party’s anti-corruption image.
   • While supporters viewed the arrest as a politically motivated attack, critics considered it a long-overdue measure to curb corruption.
2. BJP’s Victory in the 2025 Delhi Election
   • As a result of the scandal, AAP suffered a massive electoral loss in the February 2025 elections.
   • Consequently, the BJP secured a majority, leading to Rekha Gupta’s appointment as Chief Minister of Delhi.
3. Legal and Policy Reforms
   • In response to the scandal, the Delhi liquor policy was scrapped in 2022.
   • Subsequently, the new BJP-led government introduced stricter regulations on excise policies.

Conclusion For Arvind Kejriwal Arreste

Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest in 2024 was a landmark event in Indian politics. Not only did the case highlight the intersection of corruption, law enforcement, and political rivalry, but it also reshaped Delhi’s political landscape. Although Kejriwal was eventually granted bail, the repercussions of his arrest paved the way for the BJP’s victory and a shift in leadership.

As Indian politics continues to evolve, this case reminds us of the ongoing challenges in ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

In a historic move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Rekha Gupta as Delhi CM. The Chief Minister of Delhi, thereby ending the 27-year wait to return to power.

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