The ongoing legal saga surrounding the incarceration of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took a new turn as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) objected to his plea for a video consultation with his regular doctor. Kejriwal, currently held in Tihar Jail following his arrest on corruption charges last month, cited concerns about his health as a Type 2 diabetic.
Presented before Delhi’s Rouse Avenue Court, the plea was met with skepticism by the central agency, which alleged that despite claims of ill health, Arvind Kejriwal indulged in sweets and mangoes, items not recommended for diabetes patients. The ED contended that Kejriwal’s plea was a ploy to lay the groundwork for a bail appeal.
“Diet chart has mangoes and sweets on it… it has been placed before the court. (Arvind Kejriwal) is regularly consuming foods not permitted for any diabetic patient,” stated Zuhaib Hussain, the ED’s legal counsel, after the hearing, emphasising the court’s responsibility to ensure the safety of individuals in its custody.
Kejriwal’s legal team countered these claims, asserting that all food items on his diet chart had been prescribed by his doctor. They accused the ED of concocting excuses to halt the supply of home-cooked food, permitted by the court due to the diabetic condition of Arvind Kejriwal.
“He is only eating what is prescribed by doctors. ED is trying to stop supply of home-cooked food. This concerns the health of the Chief Minister…” stated Vivek Jain, Kejriwal’s lawyer, addressing reporters.
The court has requested a report from jail authorities and adjourned the matter until Friday.
Besides the legal battles over corruption charges, Arvind Kejriwal and jail authorities are embroiled in a dispute over his health. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) raised concerns about his health, claiming he lost 4.5 kg since his detention. Delhi Minister Atishi revealed that Kejriwal’s blood sugar levels dropped to a dangerously low level of 46 mg at one point, as per medical reports.
Recognising his illness, the court permitted home-cooked food, bottled water, toffees for sudden blood sugar drops, access to bed linen from home and medical equipment for health monitoring.
Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21 in connection with an alleged liquor policy scam in Delhi. The ED alleges that the AAP received Rs 600 crore through bribes for liquor licenses, some of which was purportedly used for election campaigns in Goa and Punjab. Kejriwal’s arrest is challenged in the Supreme Court, with a hearing scheduled for April 29.
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