News Analysis India

Tag: Sunita Kejriwal

  • AAP alleges Kejriwal weighed thrice in Tihar jail with different machines, not provided cooler

    New Delhi: A day after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal surrendered at the Tihar jail after completion of his interim bail in a money laundering case, the AAP leaders on Monday alleged that he was not provided cooler in his cell in prison and his weight was measured thrice in a “conspiracy”. The Tihar jail authorities refuted the AAP leaders’ claim, saying the chief minister’s weight was taken with one machine only and added that he was not provided cooler because the facility is provided after the court’s order. “The weight of Kejriwal is 63.5 kilogram, which was measured only once when he surrendered on Sunday. There was no problem with the weighing machine. His other vitals, including blood pressure and sugar, are normal,” a senior Tihar jail officer told PTI. In a press conference, senior AAP leader and Delhi minister Atishi claimed that Kejriwal’s weight was measured with three weighing machines during his medical examination in Tihar on Sunday. She also claimed that at a time when temperature in Delhi is ranging from 48 degrees to 50 degrees, Kejriwal was kept in a cell where not even a cooler was provided. AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther States “Coolers are provided to even notorious criminals lodged in Tihar. While the popular Chief Minister Kejriwal has not been given the cooler. I want to ask the BJP and the LG how low will they stoop,” she said. Atishi said that Kejriwal suffered from diabetes for 30 years and his weight was falling since last few months, and alleged cruelty against him. “After he surrendered as a law abiding citizen, he has been kept in a heated cell without a cooler. I want to say to the BJP and the prime minister that not even the people of Delhi but the god also will not forgive them for causing atrocities to Kejriwal,” she said. Atishi also alleged that during his medical examination on Sunday, his weight was measured on three machines that showed different readings.

    His weight was found to be 61 kg and the Tihar officials used another machine that showed his weight to be 64 kg. The Tihar officials not satisfied with it used a third machine that showed his weight to be 66.5 kg, she said.

    “His weight was 70 kg when he was arrested by the ED on March 21 and it went down to 63 kg when he was weighed at home before surrendering on Monday. This shows a drop of 7 kg which is a serious matter yet the ED opposed his bail for medical tests,” she said.

    Atishi said Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj will take note of it because there appears to be a “very big conspiracy” behind this.

    The Tihar jail officer said that on May 10 when Kejriwal was released from jail his weight was 64 kg that was measured using the same machine that was used on Sunday.

    The officer said Kejriwal’s BP was measured 120/76 and sugar level remained at 120 on Monday.

    “Kejriwal is given the insulin twice a day and is under a regular watch of two doctors in the prisons,” the officer said.

    The chief minister talked to his wife Sunita Kejriwal through phone on Monday evening, he said.

    On the question of not providing cooler to the chief minister, the jail official said coolers are given to those inmates, who are unwell and the court orders the authorities to do so.

    AAP’s Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also in a post on X reiterated the charge that three machines were used to weigh Kejriwal in jail.

    “In the jail, Arvind Kejriwal’s weight was measured thrice with different machines, one showed 61 kg, the second 64 kg, the third 66.5 kg. Whereas when he was weighed at home before leaving, it was 63 kg. What kind of joke is this? LG sahab, please get the machine fixed,” he said in his post.

    Singh also said that Kejriwal was kept in a small cell without any cooler even as temperature was 44 degrees Celsius.

  • Arvind Kejriwal: Swati Maliwal’s video allegedly shot inside Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s residence surfaces on social media, MP says it’s ‘out of context’

    Swati Maliwal assault case has taken another turn. Amid controversy over AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal’s claim that she was physically assaulted by Kejriwal’s PA Bibhav Kumar, an unverified video showing the events at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence on May 13 has surfaced on social media. Reacting on the unverified video, Swati Maliwal has said that the video is without any context. Without taking any name, the Rajya Sabha MP alleged that the ‘political hitman has started to save himself.’Political Hitman is trying to save himself: Maliwal”Like every time, this time too this political hitman has started trying to save himself. By getting its people to tweet, and by playing videos without any context, it feels that it will save itself from committing this crime. Does someone make a video of beating someone?” she asked in a post on X.Truth will come out one day: Maliwal”The truth will be in front of everyone as soon as the CCTV footage inside the house and the room is examined,” she said. “You can fall to any level but god is watching everything. One day the truth will come out in front of to the world,” she added.— SwatiJaiHind (@SwatiJaiHind) Unverified Video Surfaces OnlineIn the latest turn of events, an unverified video has gone viral on social media in which a women can heard having conversation with security personnel. As per the social media, the video was shot after the assault on Swati Maliwal. “The video of Swati Maliwal having an argument with security after the assault,” the social media post with the video reads.AllUttar PradeshMaharashtraTamil NaduWest BengalBiharKarnatakaAndhra PradeshTelanganaKeralaMadhya PradeshRajasthanDelhiOther StatesIn the video, which ET has not independently verified, Maliwal is heard arguing with Kejriwal’s staff. She is heard saying “I have called the police and will leave only when they arrive. I will make sure you lose your job if you touch me,” Maliwal can be heard saying in the video. It is, however, not known at the moment about who made this 52-second viral video.Maliwal’s FIR alleges she was kicked and slapped On Thursday, the Delhi Police lodged an FIR concerning the alleged assault on Swati Maliwal, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party. Bibhav Kumar, the personal secretary of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, is accused of assaulting her at the CM’s residence earlier in the week. According to police sources, Maliwal’s complaint states that Kumar slapped her multiple times and struck her chest and stomach during the incident on Monday. The FIR, filed by Maliwal on Thursday, charges Kumar under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including molestation, criminal intimidation, and outraging a woman’s modesty. However, Kejriwal is not named in the FIR, confirmed a police officer. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are anticipated as the case progresses.

  • ‘Sunita Kejriwal Is Best Person To…’: Saurabh Bharadwaj Amid Buzz Over Delhi CM’s Wife Leading AAP |

    NEW DELHI: Amid growing speculation regarding the involvement of Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in the affairs of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), senior party leader and Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has expressed confidence in her ability to “keep the party together.” Addressing the party’s crisis, Bharadwaj emphasized that Sunita Kejriwal has consistently portrayed herself as a conduit for her husband’s messages, particularly during his current detention. Bharadwaj also underscored the positive influence of her presence on the morale of party members and supporters. “She is delivering the messages of Arvind Kejriwal ji. This has had a great impact on our party cadre and among our sympathisers. We want to propagate it. In the present circumstances, she is the best person to keep the party together,” Bharadwaj said while speaking to ANI.

     

    #WATCH | Delhi: party leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj says, “For years Sunita Kejriwal has been with Arvind Kejriwal, through thick and thin…If such a person stays in the party then she acts as a glue in the party and we see it as a blessing… Since she is a family… pic.twitter.com/SCz0m4EQFJ
    — ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2024

     

    Sunita Kejriwal’s Role Amidst Delhi CM’s Arrest

    Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of AAP, is currently detained in connection with a money-laundering case related to the Delhi government’s previous excise policy. With his detention extending until April 15, the spotlight has turned to his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, who has been actively involved in disseminating his messages from custody.

    Sunita Kejriwal’s Public Engagements

    Highlighting Sunita Kejriwal’s recent participation in the ‘Loktantra Bachao’ rally organized by the INDIA bloc on March 31, Bharadwaj interpreted her presence as a sign of resilience against attempts to weaken the party. He noted the emotional resonance her appearance had among party members, particularly in the face of adversity.

    Sunita Kejriwal’s Involvement In AAP Campaigns

    Responding to inquiries about Sunita Kejriwal’s potential role in the party’s campaigning for upcoming elections, Bharadwaj expressed enthusiasm but stressed that any decision regarding her involvement would ultimately be a personal one.

    In light of recent events, speculation has arisen regarding the significance of Sunita Kejriwal’s public appearances following her husband’s arrest. However, Bharadwaj refuted claims of any deliberate messaging behind her actions, emphasizing her commitment to the party’s cause.

  • Arvind Kejriwal: Sunita Kejriwal best person to keep AAP together: Saurabh Bharadwaj

    AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj has said that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s wife Sunita is the best person to keep the party together in the prevailing circumstances and asserted that her presence has had a “positive effect” on the cadre. In an interaction with PTI editors at the agency’s headquarters here, Bharadwaj, who is also a cabinet minister in the Delhi government, said Sunita Kejriwal has always said that she is the “messenger” of the Delhi chief minister who is currently in jail.

    Noting that the politics of a party does not just revolve around its manifesto, Bharadwaj said the support base and the emotional connection between the cadre and the top leadership also plays a crucial role in keeping an organisation together.

    Sunita Kejriwal’s presence has had a positive impact, he adderted. “She is delivering the messages of Arvind Kejriwal ji. This has had a great impact on our party cadre and among our sympathisers. We want to propagate it. In the present circumstances, she is the best person to keep the party together,” Bharadwaj said.

    Kejriwal, arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a money-laundering case linked to the Delhi government’s now-scrapped excise policy, is in judicial custody till April 15.

    His wife has addressed three digital briefings so far, in which she read out his messages from the ED custody and Tihar Jail. In a political debut of sorts, she read out his message at the INDIA bloc ‘maharally’ on March 31. Asked if Sunita Kejriwal will campaign for the party in the Lok Sabha polls, he said, “We would love if this thing happens… if Sunita ji does take part in campaigning but it is her personal decision.”

    On further prodding whether there was some kind of “messaging” in Sunita Kejriwal taking centre stage after her husband’s arrest, the minister replied in the negative.

    AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, who too was arrested in the excise policy case and received bail on Wednesday, had met Sunita Kejriwal immediately after getting out of jail and was seen touching her feet.

    Talking about it, the minister said if someone’s elder brother is in some difficulty, he is duty-bound to look after his family.

    “This is our culture. The BJP was saying that there would be fights among the party members after Kejriwal’s arrest. Sanjay Singh considers Arvind Kejriwal his family, his elder brother. So, he touched her (Sunita Kejriwal) feet. We are working as one unit and one family,” he said.

  • ‘Kejriwal Ko Aashirvaad’: Delhi CM’s Wife Seeks People’s Support, Shares WhatsApp Number |

    NEW DELHI: AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal shared a video message on Friday, urging people to reach out to the Delhi Chief Minister and express their support to him. She also shared a phone number. “You can send your messages of support, anything you want to tell him on this number”, she said. She added, “Every one of your messages will reach him…I will deliver these to him in jail.”

    Appeal For Support Amid Legal Battles

    Sunita Kejriwal, while addressing the public, initiated the “Kejriwal ko Aashirvaad” campaign, encouraging individuals to send their blessings and well-wishes to the Chief Minister through a WhatsApp number. This appeal comes amidst Arvind Kejriwal’s extended custody following his arrest on March 21 in connection with the purported liquor policy scam. Despite the legal entanglements, Sunita Kejriwal remains resolute in rallying support from the citizens.

    Legal Proceedings And Extensions

    Arvind Kejriwal’s detention, which has now been extended until April 1, stems from allegations concerning money laundering linked to the Excise Policy. The recent court proceedings saw the Delhi Chief Minister himself presenting arguments, questioning the validity of his arrest based on limited evidence and statements. He emphasized the need for a fair and thorough investigation, dismissing the accusations against him as politically motivated.

    ED’s Allegations And Political Ramifications

    The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has levelled accusations against Kejriwal, implicating him in orchestrating the controversial excise policy and allegedly benefiting from illicit gains. However, Kejriwal and his legal team vehemently deny these claims, asserting that the charges are part of a broader agenda to undermine the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and destabilize the elected government in Delhi.

    Court’s Notice To ED

    In response to Kejriwal’s plea challenging his arrest and subsequent remand, the Delhi High Court has issued notices to the ED, signalling a potential legal battle ahead. The court, while recognizing the significance of fair hearings, has scheduled further proceedings for April 3, 2024. This development underscores the complexity and gravity of the legal challenges facing the Chief Minister.

    The court, while fixing the matter for April 3, 2024, further stated that any release order from custody will amount to enlarging the accused/petitioner/ Arvind Kejriwal on bail or interim bail, as an interim measure. The writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is not a ready substitute for recourse to the remedy of bail under Section 439 of the Cr.P.C. ordinarily.

    Arvind Kejriwal, through his plea, alleged that the DOE has, at the time of his arrest failed to establish that the petitioner is guilty of committing activities stipulated under Section 3, i.e., be it one of concealment, possession, acquisition, or use of proceeds of crime, as much as projecting it as untainted property or claiming it to be so.

    According to Kejriwal’s plea, both the arrest and the remand order are illegal and he is entitled to be released from custody. The plea stated that without there being any material in possession of the Enforcement Directorate on the basis of which the petitioner (Arvind Kejriwal), can be believed to be guilty of an offence, the petitioner is being illegally and arbitrarily arrested by ED in the evening of March 21.

    The trial court on March 22, sent Arvind Kejriwal to ED remand till March 28. ED alleged that the Aam Adami Party (AAP) is the major beneficiary of the proceeds of crime generated in the alleged liquor scam. The agency claimed that Kejriwal was directly involved in the formation of the excise policy.

    It also claimed that due to the actions of Arvind Kejriwal involving excise policy formulation, hatching the conspiracy of kickbacks with the South Group members, and eventually using part of the proceeds of crime generated out of this scheduled offence in the election campaign of the AAP for the Goa Assembly elections, it is clear that all these activities were not only done with his knowledge but also his active collusion.

    Excise Policy Case Background 

    Kejriwal was arrested by the central agency late Thursday night on charges of corruption in relation to the case. It is the first time in independent India that a serving Chief Minister has been arrested. The move came after Kejriwal skipped multiple summons by the investigation agency, nine in total, calling them “illegal”. The case pertains to alleged irregularities and money laundering in framing and implementing the Delhi Excise Policy 2022, which was later scrapped.

    While Kejriwal was not named in the FIRs registered by the ED or the Central Bureau of Investigation in the Delhi excise policy case, his name first found a mention in the ED’s chargesheet, wherein the agency claimed that he allegedly spoke to one of the main accused, Sameer Mahendru, in a video call and asked him to continue working with co-accused and AAP communications-in-charge Vijay Nair. Nair was among the first people to be arrested by the CBI in the case, in 2022. Subsequently, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh were arrested in connection with the case. 

  • Arvind Kejriwal Arrest LIVE Updates | Court Sends Delhi CM To 4-Day ED Remand |

    Arvind Kejriwal Arrest LIVE Updates: Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, Arvind Kejriwal, was today produced before the Rouse Avenue Court, following the conclusion of his custodial remand by the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This development comes in the wake of Kejriwal’s arrest in connection with an alleged excise policy-linked money laundering case. While the ED sought seven days remand of the Delhi CM, the court sent Kejriwal to four-day ED custody.

    On the other hand, the Delhi High Court also heard a public interest litigation (PIL) today, which sought Kejriwal’s removal from the post of Chief Minister of the Government of NCT of Delhi. The hearing was presided over by Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora. The court rejected the PIL saying that there is no leagl bar in the case and Kejriwal can continue to function as the Delhi CM. In another case, the Delhi High Court has also issued a notice to the Enforcement Directorate in response to a petition filed by Kejriwal challenging his arrest and the ED remand granted by the trial court.

    Sunita Kejriwal, the wife of the embattled Chief Minister, asserted that her husband’s health is not well and he is being harrased by the ED. 

    CM Kejriwal’s arrest and court proceedings LIVE here:

    4.43 pm: ED while seeking remand stated that Data in one mobile phone (belonging to the arrestee’s wife) has been extracted and is being analyzed. However, data from the other 4 digital devices seized during search at Arvind Kejriwal’s premises on 21.03.2024 (belonging to the arrestee himself) are yet to be extracted as the arrestee has sought time to provide password/login credentials after consulting with his lawyers.

    3.50 pm: The Rouse Avenue Court sent the Delhi CM to four-day ED remand. Kejriwal’s ED remand will now end on April 1. 

    3.30 pm: Arvind Kejriwal said in court that the ED has only two missions – two crush him and finish Aam Aadmi Party. Kejriwal said that his name is mentioned only four times in the documents of the ED and CBI. Kejriwal told the court that he was arrested on behalf of some statements that are not enough to arrest even a thief.

    02:43: The ASG SV Raju, representing the Enforcement Directorate (ED), stated that Arvind Kejriwal’s statements have been documented, and he provided evasive responses. ASG remarked that Kejriwal is intentionally refusing to cooperate with their investigation. He informed the Rouse Avenue court that during custody, Arvind Kejriwal did not divulge the passwords, resulting in the lack of access to digital data. The ED further said that, “A CM is not above the law.” According to Zee News TV report, The court has reserved the order regarding Enforcement Directorate’s plea seeking 7 days extension of Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s custody remand.

    02:38: It is claimed that there was a scam worth Rs 100 crore… Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal asserted before the Rouse Avenue Court during his ED remand hearing that Justice Sanjiv Khanna stated the money trail has not been identified yet… Kejriwal submits that the motive of the ED is to dismantle the Aam Aadmi Party.

    02:31:  CM Kejriwal says in his defence,”The case was initiated by the CBI two years back…The ED submitted a report spanning 25 thousand pages…Numerous ministers have visited my residence over time… I question why the arrest is solely based on verbal statements.” He is speaking in the Rouse Avenue Court. 

    02:24: “He is not proven guilty in any court,” Arvind Kejriwal says in Rouse Avenue Court.

    02:19: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal says, upon arrival at the Rouse Avenue court, “It is a political conspiracy and the people will give an answer to it.” 

    02:14: ED has requested an extension of seven additional days for the custody of the Delhi CM by remand, says he needs to be confronted with some people linked with excise policy case.

    02:05: Arvind Kejriwal has reached Rouse Avenue Court, and the court hearing has begun. His wife Sunita Kejriwal is also present in the proceeding.

    01:45: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal being brought out of ED office; to be taken to Rouse Avenue Court. 

    VIDEO | “This is a political conspiracy, the public will give a befitting reply,” says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) in response to a media query on Delhi L-G VK Saxena’s ‘government cannot run from jail’ remark.

    Kejriwal has been brought to Rouse Avenue Court in… pic.twitter.com/q7n2zYuHKb


    — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 28, 2024

    01:30: Delhi High Court rejects PIL seeking removal of Arvind Kejriwal from the post of Chief Minister of Delhi.

    01:00 PM: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will be produced before Rouse Avenue Court at 2 pm today on the expiry of his six days of ED custody.

     

  • Arvind Kejriwal: Arvind Kejriwal’s health has deteriorated in ED custody: AAP sources

    The blood sugar level of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is diabetic, is fluctuating and his health has deteriorated in Enforcement Directorate custody, AAP sources claimed on Wednesday. Arvind Kejriwal’s blood sugar level dropped to 46 Mg at one point of time and according to doctors, such a drop is “very dangerous”, they claimed.

    Earlier in the day, the chief minister’s wife Sunita Kejriwal said in a digital briefing that she had met him in ED custody and his sugar level was fluctuating. She appealed people to pray for his health.

    Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED last week in connection with the money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. He is in ED custody till March 28. The chief minister has challenged his arrest in court.