Arvind Kejriwal sent to Tihar jail. What is the difference between judicial and ED custody?

Arvind Kejriwal, the chief minister of Delhi, has been remanded to judicial custody until April 15 by a Delhi Court in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged excise policy scam. The ED had sought a 15-day judicial custody of Kejriwal, saying that was "totally uncooperative". He appeared before the court on Monday after his previous extension of ED custody expired on April 1, 2024.

What is the difference between Judicial custody and ED custody?
In judicial custody, the accused is held in the custody of the respective Magistrate and lodged in jail. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is an Indian law enforcement agency tasked with enforcing economic laws and regulations, particularly concerning offences like money laundering, foreign exchange violations, and financial frauds. When someone is placed in "Enforcement Directorate custody," it means they are being remanded under the ED for questioning or investigation related to alleged economic law violations. This enables the ED to conduct interrogations and gather evidence regarding financial crimes.

Also Read: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal remanded to judicial custody till April 15
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More about this case
On March 28, Special Judge Kaweri Baweja of the Rouse Avenue Court extended Kejriwal's ED custody, stating there were "sufficient reasons" for the extension. However, she permitted him to meet his family members and lawyers.

The probe agency had requested the Chief Minister's custody for seven additional days. However, after hearing arguments, the court extended Kejriwal's ED remand by four days until April 1, noting "sufficient reasons" for further custodial interrogation, especially considering the submissions of the ED.

The agency emphasised the need to confront Kejriwal with the material collected and statements recorded during the investigation.

Judge Baweja instructed the investigation officer to ensure prompt interrogation and confrontation of the accused.

Family members, including his wife, daughter, PA, and advocates, were permitted to meet CM Kejriwal.

Additionally, the court directed the agency to conduct interrogation in a location with CCTV coverage and preserve the footage. The ED was also instructed to provide necessary medication and arrange for medical examinations for Kejriwal during his custody.

Why Arvind Kejriwal was arrested?
Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 after over two hours of questioning at his official residence in Delhi.

The ED has described Kejriwal as the "kingpin and the key conspirator" in the alleged excise scam, purportedly involving other ministers of the Delhi government, AAP leaders, and others.

Input from agencies