The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) staged a protest outside the BJP office in Delhi on Saturday in response to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the CBI in connection with a money laundering case related to the city's now-scrapped liquor policy. Here are the key points from the protest and the background leading up to it:
1. **Protest Details**:Â
  - AAP members, including MPs, MLAs, councilors, and party workers, gathered outside the BJP office to protest Kejriwal's arrest.
  - Leaders like Minister Atishi, who recently ended a hunger strike demanding water release from Haryana amid a crisis, participated in the protest.
2. **Protest Actions**:
  - Banners and posters were displayed, denouncing the use of ED (Enforcement Directorate) and CBI for political purposes.
  - Slogans demanding the release of Kejriwal were raised, reflecting strong opposition to his arrest and the handling of the case by investigative agencies.
3. **Security Measures**:Â
  - Heavy security was deployed with barricades and paramilitary personnel to manage the protest, as no prior permission had been granted for the demonstration at the BJP office.
  - Prohibitory orders were imposed in the vicinity, potentially leading to the detention of protesters.
4. **Legal Proceedings**:Â
  - Kejriwal, currently in Tihar Jail, was scheduled to be produced before the Rouse Avenue court as his three-day CBI custody was concluding.
  - The arrest is linked to alleged irregularities in Delhi's 2021-22 excise policy, with corruption charges investigated by the CBI and money laundering aspects probed by the ED.
  - The case involves accusations of modifications, favors to licensees, and unauthorized extensions of L-1 licenses without proper approvals.
5. **Background of the Case**:Â
  - The CBI initiated its probe following recommendations from Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena regarding procedural lapses in the excise policy.
  - Earlier actions included the registration of a case against former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Delhi officials, liquor licensees, and others allegedly involved in decision-making without proper approvals.
The protest highlights the intense political and legal challenges facing the AAP government in Delhi, with implications for governance, public perception, and ongoing legal proceedings concerning alleged administrative and financial irregularities.
