Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal who is in custody over the Excise Policy Case added the count to be the 4th member to face imprisonment in the national capital just days before the 2024 Lok Sabha election amidst escalating political tensions between the ruling BJP and its rival INDIA bloc.
Kejriwal’s detention extends until April 15, as announced by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which had held him in custody since his arrest on March 21, continuing their investigation into his alleged involvement in the scandal. The ED has indicated the possibility of requiring his custody again in the future.
Within Tihar’s confines, Kejriwal will reside in Jail No 2, alongside former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia in Jail No 1, former Health Minister Satyendar Jain in Jail No 7, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh in Jail No 5.
In a separate wing designated for female detainees, Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavitha, daughter of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, is detained in Jail No 6. She faces allegations of involvement in the ‘south group,’ accused of bribing the AAP for liquor licenses in Delhi.
Kejriwal’s daily routine within the confines of the prison is regimented.
He needs to wake up at 6:30 am in the morning. And get a cup of tea and slices of bread as the breakfast.
Further, after the morning shower, Arvind Kejriwal proceeds to the court or the legal counsel according to the schedule.
Later the lunch is served between 10:30 and 11 am, comprising dal, sabzi, and a portion of either roti or rice.
Following the lunch the prisoners are locked in their cells from 3 pm. After 3:30pm they receive a cup of tea and two biscuits and then can meet their lawyers at 4pm.
Ten the dinner by evening 5:30pm after which the prisoners are locked for the night by 7pm.
During his incarceration, Mr. Kejriwal is permitted television viewing except during designated prison activities like meals and lock-up. Access to 18 to 20 channels spanning news, entertainment, and sports is granted.
Medical assistance is readily available around the clock, with doctors and medical personnel on standby in case of emergencies. Given Mr. Kejriwal’s diabetic condition, he will undergo regular check-ups during his time in confinement. Additionally, his legal representative has requested a special dietary regimen considering his health condition.
As the Chief Minister, Mr. Kejriwal has been managing Delhi’s governance affairs from the confines of the ED lock-up. He is allowed to meet family members twice a week, provided their names are on an approved list cleared by prison authorities.
Furthermore, a request has been submitted for Mr. Kejriwal to receive copies of religious texts such as the Ramayan and Shrimad Bhagvad Gita, along with “How Prime Ministers Decide,” a book authored by journalist Neerja Chowdhury.
Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, and K Kavitha have all been apprehended in relation to the purported Delhi liquor policy scandal, causing upheaval within the AAP and national politics ahead of the election.
Satyendar Jain’s arrest, however, is linked to a distinct money laundering investigation.
