Delhi liquorgate: Arvind Kejriwal grilled for 9 hours by CBI
What's the story
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has appeared before the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for questioning in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam case.
He reportedly left the agency's office late on Sunday after being grilled for nearly nine hours.
To recall, the CBI issued a summons on Friday, after which the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo claimed no such scam happened in Delhi.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The CBI and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have made many arrests concerning an alleged scam in Delhi's 2021-22 Excise Policy.
The CBI summoned Kejriwal as a witness as his name reportedly cropped up while interrogating some accused and witnesses. He, however, wasn't named in the agency's FIR.
The CBI is investigating the case's corruption aspect, while the ED is investigating the money laundering side.
Statement
What Arvind Kejriwal said ahead of CBI appearance
On Sunday morning, in a video message, Kejriwal said, "They (CBI) have called me today, and I will definitely go. They are very powerful, they can send anyone to jail."
"If BJP has ordered CBI to arrest me...the CBI will obviously follow their instructions," he said.
He was reportedly accompanied by Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP MPs and ministers to the CBI headquarters.
Arrests
Security beefed up outside AAP office, several workers detained
Security was tightened outside the CBI headquarters in Delhi ahead of Kejriwal's questioning, said reports.
More than 1,000 security personnel were deployed, and CrPC Section 144 was also imposed in the area to prevent people from assembling.
According to PTI, security has also been beefed up outside the AAP's Delhi office on Rouse Avenue. Several AAP workers were detained after they protested Kejriwal's questioning.
Action
Police arrest AAP seniors, stop Punjab leaders from entering Delhi
As tensions grew, the Delhi Police on Sunday afternoon reportedly detained AAP leaders Raghav Chadha, Sanjay Singh, and several others protesting the CBI summons.
Delhi minister Gopal Rai alleged the police detained over 1,500 AAP leaders and workers for protesting in favor of Kejriwal.
Meanwhile, several Punjab AAP leaders, including ministers, were allegedly stopped from entering Delhi at the Singhu border.
Reaction
Kejriwal slams ED, CBI; claims liquor scam never happened
After receiving the CBI summons on Friday, Kejriwal on Saturday claimed no liquor policy scam happened in Delhi and attacked the ED and CBI.
The AAP chief alleged the central probe agencies lied in their court affidavits, and former Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia was falsely charged in the case.
He also stated that AAP would file cases against the agencies for the same.