Arvind Kejriwal's arrest: Delhi gears for AAP protest, tightened security, ITO station closure

PTC News Desk: In a significant turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was apprehended by the Enforcement Directorate on Thursday night. The arrest is linked to a money laundering investigation connected to the liquor policy case, making Kejriwal the first serving chief minister in India to face such charges. The ED's action followed the Delhi High Court's refusal to grant Kejriwal protection from arrest.

Kejriwal's party, AAP, has affirmed his continuance in office despite his legal predicament. However, the party has also announced nationwide protests outside BJP offices in response to Kejriwal's arrest, while the BJP, led by JP Nadda, has demanded his resignation.

With key AAP leaders such as Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Sanjay Singh incarcerated, the party finds itself grappling with a leadership vacuum. In the absence of these figures, Kejriwal's wife, Sunita Kejriwal, along with cabinet ministers Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj, may assume leadership roles as the party navigates through the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Here are the key updates on Arvind Kejriwal's arrest:

1. Delhi Police have enhanced security in the city, with multi-layer barricading around BJP headquarters due to an AAP protest scheduled at 10 am. Commuters are advised to avoid central Delhi routes.

2. Roads leading to BJP headquarters and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office in central Delhi are closed. ITO Metro station will remain shut from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on police advice.

3. Kejriwal was brought to the ED office in central Delhi at 11:25 pm post his arrest. He was seen seated in the back of a sports utility vehicle.

4. A 10-member ED team conducted searches at Kejriwal's residence before his arrest. He had skipped nine summonses by the agency.

5. Kejriwal will be presented in court today, with the ED seeking custody for interrogation. This marks the 16th arrest in the case, including AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh.

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6. BJP asserts Kejriwal's arrest symbolises the defeat of corruption and demands his immediate resignation. Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva deems it inappropriate for Kejriwal to govern from jail.

7. Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj claims extensive searches at Kejriwal's house yielded only ₹70,000, with his mobile phone confiscated. No incriminating evidence was found.

8. AAP moves Supreme Court for Kejriwal's release, asserting he will continue as Delhi's Chief Minister. AAP leader Atishi affirms Kejriwal's right to govern from jail in the absence of conviction.

9. AAP calls Kejriwal's arrest "murder of democracy" and urges protests outside BJP offices nationwide. Congress and NCP(SP) support Kejriwal, accusing BJP of authoritarian tactics.

10. Rahul Gandhi is reported to meet Kejriwal or his family in solidarity on Friday, as per ANI.

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(Inputs from agencies)

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